Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The artist Abby Galabby is not only good at singing and dancing but is also capable of being a diplomat in terms of conducting second-track diplomacy.

During a tourism promotion event held by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia in Osaka, Japan, on November 19, 2015, Abby sang and danced to the tunes of Indonesian songs as a gesture to introduce Indonesias rich musical heritage.

"Besides singing and dancing, I also introduced the beloved countrys native garb by wearing a batik shirt or kebaya (Indonesian traditional dress worn by women) abroad," said Abby, who had also earlier participated in a mission to promote Indonesias culture in the Netherlands.

Abby, who started singing at the age of four, said she was pleased to introduce Indonesias art and culture during her overseas trips.

"I see that several Indonesians belonging to the younger generation are currently influenced by foreign art and culture," noted Abby, who had learnt singing with the late Pranajaya.

While showcasing Indonesias culture through songs and dances, Abby, who learnt dancing from the Namarina dance studio, expressed delight to have the opportunity to be herself and to entertain others.

"I want to increasingly promote Indonesia among others through ballet about Gatot Kaca and Malinkundang with a modern style," said Abby, who is also a wushu athlete.

"I have also won silver and gold medals. In 2010, I represented Indonesia during the international championships in Kutai, East Kalimantan," Abby remarked.

The single singer, who joined the Indonesia Mencari Bakat (Indonesia Got Talent) TV show, teaches ballet daily at a ballet school in Jakarta.

"In addition to ballet and musical broadway, I also perform Acehs Saman dance and the dance form from Bali," said the 25-year-old singer who was born in Jakarta.

The Indonesian Tourism Ministry held a media conference on November 19, 2015, in Osaka, Japan, to introduce a new policy to increase the number of immigration entry points for Japanese tourists, to eliminate the Clearance Approval for Indonesian Territory (CAIT) that is a requirement for foreign yachts to gain entry into the Indonesian territory through 18 ports, and to eliminate the cabotage principle that gives priority access to cruise ships to dock at Indonesias ports.

The new policy also concerns the fee-visa policy for tourists from 90 countries, including Japan, for short visits. The introduction of the new policy is expected to increase Japanese tourist visits to Indonesia.

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Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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