According to a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Rome received in Jakarta on Wednesday, Indonesia was the only diplomatic representative invited to contribute to the event.
The activity opened with remarks from FAO Director General Qu Dongyu and featured youth organizations highlighting the cultural link between forests and music, as well as the role of young forestry ambassadors.
“The main focus is to contribute to the 80th Anniversary of FAO, serving as a forum for young people to share perspectives and experiences in real action for the forestry sector,” the statement said.
“It also showcased creative expressions that connect the arts community with sustainability and nature,” it added.
The participating angklung art group is supported by the Indonesian Embassy in Rome and consists mainly of members from the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) Italy and young staff of the embassy.
Their performance served as a tangible form of Indonesian cultural diplomacy in the multilateral arena and as international recognition of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
The embassy noted that the group's appearance brought a lively atmosphere to the event through the distinctive harmony of bamboo tones, performed skillfully by the young musicians.
Nusantara songs such as Apuse and Bolelebo made the guests pause for a moment to listen to the strains of traditional Indonesian music, according to the Indonesian Embassy in Rome.
Traditional Indonesian songs like Apuse and Bolelebo captivated the audience, while renditions of popular hits such as Que Sera Sera and the Italian classic O Sole Mio were warmly received, with the latter serving as a surprise performance.
The embassy said that the performance went beyond entertainment, reinforcing the role of art in Indonesian diplomacy abroad.
The harmony of angklung music, they noted, conveys universal values such as cooperation, peace, mutual respect, and environmental harmony.
The angklung is not only a musical instrument but also a symbol of ecological balance and cultural sustainability. It was recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity belonging to Indonesia.
Related news: Indonesia sets world record for largest angklung performance
Related news: Indonesian Ambassador installs honorary consul in Florence, Italy
Reporter: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
