For an event titled ‘Wonderful Indonesia’, the happenings at a grand gathering of the International Ladies Potluck Group (ILPG) members weren’t the least bit misleading. Ladies, togged in colourful attire, took in a hearty serving of Indonesian culture and cuisine on Monday morning at the Al Jazi Gardens Clubhouse in West Bay.
The ILPG, which consists of more than 400 members from ?65? countries, has been a torchbearer of expatriate ladies in Qatar ?for ?over 12 years. Founded by Hasnah McCauley here in Doha, the group is now run by Shriani Burley and Ruth Sabry?.?
For the Indonesian celebrations, Andi Una Sidehabi, the wife of the Indonesian ambassador to Qatar, was the chief guest, and among the dignitaries accompanying her were the wives of the ambassadors of Switzerland, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
The sprawling hall whirred with a large gathering of members as the Indonesian gala began with traditional dance performances, organised by Sinta Gunawan, co-ordinator of Puspa Qinarya Dance Group. Puspanjali dance, the most famous classical dance from Bali marked by a refreshing burst of colours and elegance, enthralled the crowd. A welcom?e ?dance filled with grace and joy, its name was derived from the word ‘Puspa’, which means flowers, and ‘Anjali’, which means respect or greeting.
Soon, Rampak Pemudi, a modern contemporary dance from West Sumatra pulled the audience into the vivacious spirit of youth with its mash of creativity, playfulness and moments of excitement. Following this, a parade of ladies swayed to traditional tunes in their quintessential Indonesian attire of kebaya and golden tops with batik, silk and tenun songket (a traditional fabric) as ?part of a sparkling fashion show.
Anchor Duti Prihutama, an architect and a mother of two, helmed the event, taking care of everything from giving the audience a glimpse into dreamy holidays with a presentation about Indonesian culture and its famous tourist destinations, to introducing her country by taking them through interesting details.
Indonesia, located in  Southeast Asia, has more than 17,000 islands with a population over 260mn people and a size of almost 2mn sq km, Duti pointed out in her presentation. “It has its own uniqueness as the country with the highest Muslim population and yet it is not an Islamic state. The country recognises other religions and the people of Indonesia live in harmony with tolerance and respect towards each other,” she said. “Indonesia’s national motto ‘Unity in Diversity’ articulates the diversity that shapes the country with more than 300 ethnic groups, 95% of those with Native Indonesian ancestry, and more than 700 living languages spoken along with the national language of Bahasa Indonesia.”
Bengawan Solo, a famous Keroncong song (Indonesian folk music style) featuring music played by the Angklung, a folk musical instrument made out of two bamboos attached to a bamboo frame and creates a deep, relaxing sound, was s?u?ng wonderfully by? Lorencia.
Bengawan Solo is a song about the historical Solo River, which flows through central and eastern Java, Indonesia, and is that island’s longest. Along with it, a performance ?by? Vee Situmorang and Betayanti Gozali, singing O Tano Batak – a song about how one always yearn?s? to be back ?in ?their homeland Samosir Island and Lake Toba – made for a fabulous music experience.
To top off the performances, a delectable buffet brimming with a variety of authentic Indonesian food was laid out. ?The gastronomic feast began with the?Tumpeng-cutting ceremony?. A cone-shaped yellow rice dish, surrounded by?side dishes of both vegetables and meat, symbolising life, our ecosystem and the glory of God as the creator of nature, Tumpeng is a symbol ?of? gratitude and respect.
The top of tumpeng ?is ?cut ?and presented ?to the most important person attend?ing the function. Sidehabi, wife of the Indonesian ambassador ?to Qatar, cut the top of Tumpeng and handed it to Shriani Burley.
Burley told Community, “A well-organised event by our Indonesian members in association with the Indonesian embassy in Qatar, the Indonesian gala was a spectacle of colour, culture and scrumptious food. I would like to extends my thanks to Betayanti Gozali, who coordinated the event and to the Indonesian embassy for their unstinted support for the success of this event, without forgetting Duti Prihutama who executed the proceedings so well as the host.”
Duti said, “I wish many expatriate and Qatari ladies would join ILPG’s future events. It is an excellent opportunity to get to know and learn other cultures in a very enjoyable ambience. ILPG has always pulled such events off in such fine style.”
In the end, the usual raffles ?were held. Prizes were donated by Salam Store, one of ILPG’s main sponsors, and also by InterContinental Doha – The City, Trader Vic’s, Sawa?sdee Spa along with a host of other prizes consisting of Indonesian Kabayas, handicrafts and artefacts.