Initiated by Indonesia, the current chair of ASEAN, Jakarta is championing the cause that ASEAN must relate itself to the citizens of the member states, in particular the young people of Southeast Asia, the Jakarta-based ASEAN Secretariat said in a press statement here Monday.
To make the night a success, the Indonesian foreign affairs ministry`s Director-General Djauhari Oratmangun of ASEAN Cooperation decided on the most effective means of communication, and spared no efforts to gather some of the best rock bands of the region.
As the clouds shielded the crowd from the blazing sun, the youngsters of ASEAN rocked their way into the hearts of the crowd at the Backstage Cafe - cutting across race, language, or religion.
"As we rejoice in the language of music, we also want to express our solidarity with an old friend. An old friend who has always been at the forefront when we needed help. To our dear friends in Japan, ASEAN stands with you! Let us conquer this adversity together!" said Bagas Hapsoro, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Corporate and Community Affairs Development.
Determined to do more to help, DSG Bagas arranged and composed a song "Kibou ni Mukatte" or "Move Towards Hope."
The ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) band, staff members, as well as dialogue partners gave a stirring performance of the song - sending their good wishes and compassion to their friends across the seas. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
