For nearly three hours, the audience was invited to journey through fragments of folklore from various regions in Indonesia. Dance, music, costumes, and songs alternated, transforming into a colossal journey that weaved together into diversity.
Director Rusmedie Agus appeared both relieved and moved. For him, the audience's response was a boost of energy for the entire team.
"Tonight's enthusiasm has inspired the dancers to continue the performance on August 23rd and 24th," he said.
Agus explained that the creative process for Sabang Merauke was not an overnight endeavor. Discussions with the creative team began two days after last year's performance at JIExpo Kemayoran.
"We felt the need to conduct research, meet with cultural figures, uphold unchangeable values, and provide an entertaining atmosphere for the younger generation to enjoy," he added.
Miniature of Nusantara
How to showcase Indonesia's cultural diversity on one stage? That question haunted Iskandar Loedin, the stage designer.
"It felt unfair to use just one ornament or architectural heritage to represent everything," he said.
The solution was to create the image of an archipelago: land and sea separated, yet interconnected.
351 dancers who trained in Yogyakarta performed more than 100 pieces of choreography on the stage. Every movement, every rhythm, seemed to bring to life the narrative of "Hikayat Nusantara," this year's theme.
Musically, Nunung Basuki arranged a harmony of more than 50 traditional instruments with 40 artists from various regions. The production process moved from city to city: Jakarta, Banyuwangi, Solo, and Yogyakarta.
"The authenticity is maintained, but we develop it for the younger generation," he said.
Avip Priatna added orchestral touches. He was grateful to be able to collaborate with such a nuanced arrangement.
"Indonesia's musical riches are unexplored. What I envision in notation can be realized on stage -- that's a blessing," he said.
From weaving to the work of 19 designers
The beauty of the performance comes not only from the music and dance, but also from the costumes. Era Soekamto, who served as the design coordinator, explained that more than 19 designers participated.
Big names like Ivan Gunawan, Ghea Panggabean, Didi Budiardjo, and the late Opi Bachtiar contributed designs.
"The costumes are labor-intensive," Soekamto said. "There are weaving, batik, and Indonesian accessories tailored to the choreography. For example, Mnak Yura's costumes use 50 meters of green fabric with added embellishments to capture the scale of the stage."
The collaboration extends to Jember Fashion Carnival, Gondang Legi, and Subeng Klasik. Every piece of fabric, weaving, and songket is designed not only to be beautiful but also to tell a story about cultural roots.
Sabang Merauke also presents a cross-genre musical encounter. The Jakarta Concert Orchestra combines with 50 traditional musicians.
The team's strength was further enhanced by the presence of 60 singers from the Batavia Madrigal Singers, winners of the European Grand Prix, and 32 members of the Resonance Children's Choir, who have won world championships.
A lineup of national singers bolstered the performances, including Yura Yunita, PADI Reborn, Sruti Respati, Mirabeth Sonia, and Taufan Purbo.
The Kong Ha Hong lion dance, which has won world championships, also enlivened the stage, followed by the beat of the Immigration Polytechnic Marching Band.
For choreographer Sandhidea Cahyo, the greatest strength lies in togetherness.
"Among the 351 dancers who trained in Yogyakarta, the sense of togetherness is very strong. That's what makes our shared aspirations come true," he said.
Singer Yura Yunita called the performance not just entertainment, but also a cultural movement. "In three hours, the audience can learn so much about Indonesia's richness from Sabang to Merauke," she said.
Ari, vocalist of PADI Reborn, also expressed appreciation. He believes the performance should be seen by more people.
"It's not just about entertainment, it strengthens the sense of unity. If possible, it should be performed in every district," he said.
Elwin Hendrijanto, one of the music arrangers, also emphasized the message of unity. He said the performance's strength lies in the intersection of traditions.
"A great orchestra, a great choir, traditions from Sabang to Merauke, all united. It reflects our lives in true Indonesia: diverse, but meeting in the middle."
He cited the example of the collaboration of the song "Mahadewi" performed by PADI with the gamelan. The different basic tones ultimately agreed to "meet" in the bass.
"That meeting in the middle is what enriches everything," he said.
Indonesia, a cultural superpower
Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha, who was in attendance that night, couldn't hide his pride.
"I was moved to tears. I'm grateful to have been born in Indonesia with such a rich culture. Everyone who performed tonight was extraordinary; they united us all," he said.
He emphasized that Indonesia deserves to be called a cultural superpower.
"The process of preserving and advancing culture cannot be done alone; it requires collaboration between the government, regional governments, and the private sector. This is a constitutional obligation," he said.
Ganesha said the public's enthusiasm was evident in the nearly sold-out tickets.
"Every year it always sells out. This year is no different. Hopefully, there will be more events like this in various regions in the future," he said.
"Sabang Merauke: The Indonesia Broadway 2025" is more than just an artistic performance.
It is a collective effort: traditional music and modern orchestras, classical and contemporary costumes, young artists and veteran maestros. All woven into one story that celebrates Indonesia.
From west to east, from folklore to modern arrangements, everything blends on the magnificent stage of the Indonesia Arena. The show, now in the fifth year, will continue on August 23rd and 24th.
More than just entertainment, Sabang Merauke is a statement that diversity is strength, and Indonesia will always find a way to meet somewhere in the middle.
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Translator: Ida Nurcahyani. Farika Khotimah, Cindy Frishanti O
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
