"(We are proud) to announce Indonesia's participation in the 5th Asian Festival, which reaffirms our commitment to the spirit of Asian cultural collaboration," Irvan Fachrizal, Chargé d'Affaires, stated.
According to a press release by KBRI Sofia received by ANTARA in Jakarta on Saturday during a press conference hosted at the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), Fachrizal extended deep appreciation to the Embassy of China as this year's festival coordinator. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the Vice President of Bulgaria, the festival's patron, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, and the Municipality of Sofia for their steadfast support.
He recalled that Indonesia initiated the first Asian Festival in 2017 and has remained a cornerstone of the event's success.
Indonesia also continues to work with fellow Asian missions in Bulgaria to uphold a shared vision of cultural exchange, diversity, and friendship while emphasizing the essential role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges of understanding and peace among nations.
"The more we see, the more we know, the more we understand each other," he concluded.
Hence, he invited all attendees to experience the vibrancy of Indonesia at the festival.
Fachrizal expressed hope that in the future, the Asian Festival will grow into a permanent fixture in Sofia's cultural calendar, with increased participation from across Asia.
This year's festival theme, "Unity in Diversity," holds particular significance for Indonesia, echoing its national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which celebrates the strength of harmony across more than 17 thousand islands, hundreds of ethnic groups, and over 700 languages.
The visual content for this year's festival also features the batik parang motif, a traditional pattern symbolizing resilience, continuity, and forward momentum.
This year's program also highlights contributions from the Indonesian diaspora and local community groups, including traditional dance performances by Pesona Mawar Nusantara and the Bidadari group, Open Circle Silat of Sofia, culinary presentations by Yatis Cooking and Taste of Indonesia by Esther, Interactive workshops on Indonesian Batik and the Balinese Alphabet, and participation from the Indonesian Language Class at Sofia University.
In addition, Indonesia is supporting a charitable cause by contributing to the Our Premature Babies Foundation, adding further meaning to the festival.
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Translator: Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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