It is a fact that it is not how long a person lives that counts, but how well.This saying accounts for the exciting outing put up by Indonesians Community in Abuja in remembrance of their heroine ' R A Kartini who died after spending just 24 years on earth!Even if the dead could see, then Kartini would be happy for standing up for the cause of women when it was abominable to see a woman claiming her right where men's ego and pride reigned supreme.The Indonesians Community in Abuja turned out in large numbers on Saturday 21 April, 2012 at BNL Life Camp, Jabi, Abuja to join millions of Indonesians all over the world in celebrating and remembering the women emancipation strides of Kartini.The preparation for the guests was not left in the hands of an event planner or manager as the Ambassador, His Excellency, Sudirman Haseng, wife, and all the embassy staff in Nigeria under Mr Eddy Suntrisno, Head of Chancery gathered at the venue at 1 pm making sure that the arrangement, decoration and setting of the beautiful BNL Club House befitted the late heroine. Everything was done with Indonesian touch.The venue was gorgeously colourful with each table properly designated for guests who were promptly guided to their seats by staff of the embassy with lots of courtesy and warmth.There were three food serving points which were stuffed with several dishes and menus, all of Indonesian brands while the tables were filled with bottled water without wine or any alcoholic stuff.The Indonesians displayed their sense for time as the event kicked off 7 pm prompt when a beautiful Indonesian lady, Mrs. Rosa Illic took the microphone and appreciated the guests in flawless English with a heavy Indonesian accent and invited the Indonesian Ambassador to the stage.His Excellency, Haseng, who was visibly elated not because of the colourful ambience of the venue, but because of the quality of the guests who paid to celebrate Kartini.After appreciating the dignitaries, HE Haseng pointed out the role of R A Kartini as a wonderful woman who though born into a privileged class, but refused to close his eyes against the injustice of the day particularly as it concerned the womenfolk.'What we are doing this night is to celebrate a rare specie of woman who though spent such a short time on the face of the earth, but left an indelible imprint not only on the sand of time, but in the hearts of all women of Indonesia whom, she through her activities and action liberated from the bondage which the socialisation strata had consigned them to.'The Ambassador disclosed that ' What endeared her to many was also that her actions and activities were not geared solely for women, but the society at large which benefited consciously from her inspiratory and eye opening strides.'HE Haseng admonished the guests and dignitaries to see the life and deeds of Kartini as a lesson in behaviour and legacy. We should all try to leave a very good mark worthy emulating not because of today, but tomorrow. If Kartini had not done well yesterday, we might not be here today. Thank you for honouring this Lady of honour and enjoy the night.'As the ambasssador finished his speech, the guests were treated to a classical and mesmerizing dance called Puspanjali Dance from Bali, one of the greatest tourism regions of Indonesia.It was an exciting dance of styles and glamour performed by Wiwik Johnson, Elvira, Bhowmick, Amma Teddy and Dee Catur. The song was harmoniously coordinated which synchronised with the dancing steps and wildly admired by the guests.While this fanciful dancers left the stage, there entered one Yenny and her group which rendered Lady Kartini's song in a very sonorous and melodius voice and tune. It was a song of hope, inspiration eulogy and good deeds which lady Kartini stood for in her life time. Yenny was assisted by Dee Catur, Azka Sudirman, the son of the ambassador who was on the drum set, Bunyamin and Randof.One thing that is unique with the staff of Indonesia Embassy in Nigeria is the fact that all of them are masters in handling one musical instrument or the other and this was displayed when they came on stage to perform the 'Angklung .'The Angklung performance is naturally done by the Indonesians to express unity, harmony and oneness of purpose a nation with the same destiny.The musical instrument which produced the harmonious sound is made out of bamboo which is available in Indonesia.You need to hear the sound produced by this instrument which every staff of the Embassy employed and manipulated so well.The Angklung Performance was spectacular, exciting and sensational, it received a standing ovation from the dignitaries and the guests.The Indonesians believed in trans-generation process and networking, hence they did not exclude the children from the event of passing Kartini's legacy down the line as the little Indonesians came out with a brilliant performance of 'Ba Dindin dance' a dance traceable to the Quran and performed by the Muslims in showcasing the fact that Islam is a peaceful religion which spread love and harmony.Trust, the little ones, they proved that when it comes to displaying styles you cannot beat the stars.After, the young stars performance, guests were called to buffet.The Embassy used this to showcase to the guests that when it comes to varieties of foods, no country can beat Indonesia. As there were three serving points with dishes in abundance. As guests were urged to go for more and more.As the food was settling down in the bowels of the guests, the Indonesians pulled a fast one on them!To their surprise, the MC announced the appearance of the Star Guest performer and guess who' Her Excellency, Dian Surdirma,the wife of the Ambassador was on stage to thrill the audience with two soulful songs while her son, Azka was on the drum set!It was great. Her Excellency sang so well with a mellifluous voice so sweet that all rose in appreciation of her art.After the spectacular performance of Her Excellency, the children took over again to perform 'Yambo rambe Yamko Dance' a dance which the people of Papua are noted for.To engrave the day in the heart of the guests and dignitaries who bought the tickets for the event, Door price and Lucky Draw was packed and many went home with lots of gifts donated by sponsors of the event.As the programme got the peak, the floor was opened for all to dance to the Poco-poco dance and Bubuy Bulan song of Indonesia.Having satisfied their quest, the guests went back to their seats and the Ambassador said the closing remark, thanking everyone who participated and contributed in one way or the other to the successful hosting of RA Kartini Day celebration by the Indonesian Community in Abuja.It was a night of glitz, glamour, very colourful and fanciful specially packaged by the Indonesians in Abuja in a befitting way that even Kartini would be smiling in heaven and thanking God for enabling her to do what she did when alive.An evergreen memory and trans-generational legacy.
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