Global Rice News

Movie Night Celebrates Cultural Ties between Indonesia and Pakistan

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, in coordination with the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), recently hosted an exciting ASEAN Movie Night. The event showcased the critically acclaimed Indonesian film “Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap,” directed by Bene Dion Rajagukguk.

This unique event combined the love of cinema and cuisine to celebrate the strong cultural connections and similarities between Indonesia and Pakistan. The guests, including members of the diplomatic community and Pakistani locals, were thrilled to attend.

During his welcoming remarks, Rahmat Hindiarta, Indonesia Chargé d’ Affaires, highlighted the significance of fostering friendships among ASEAN family members. He expressed his desire to extend this spirit of camaraderie to the people of Pakistan and beyond.

Hindiarta also urged Pakistani filmmakers to “look east” and explore the creative economy potential in Indonesia and the ASEAN region. He emphasized the tremendous economic opportunities available in Indonesia’s vibrant film industry. Indiaarta stated, “The film industry is the fastest-growing sub-sector of Indonesia’s creative economy, with over 55 million moviegoers in 2023. In the same year, the local film industry broke records with 20 movies that attracted over 1 million viewers each. ASEAN countries have also witnessed significant growth in the film and entertainment industry in recent years.”

The event commenced with a captivating video showcasing the ASEAN Summit 2023, held in the pristine paradise of Labuan Bajo. This picturesque location, often referred to as one of Indonesia’s “10 new Balis,” set the stage for an evening of cultural appreciation.

Following the video, attendees were treated to a screening of the Indonesian film “Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap,” which delighted viewers with its unique blend of humor, mutual respect, parenting dynamics, local wisdom, cultural richness, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Released in 2022, the comedy film tells the tale of an elderly couple from the Batak tribal family in Toba Lake, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The Batak community, known for its rich customs and social structure, places great importance on patriarchal hierarchy and respecting elders. In a playful twist, the parents feign divorce to compel their sons, who have left home to pursue their careers elsewhere, to return.

The film’s captivating scenes were shot against the stunning backdrop of Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake globally, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2020.

To enhance the cinematic experience, the audience also indulged in a delectable spread of Indonesian cuisine. From the flavorful meatball soup known as bakso to the mouth-watering chicken satay with its sweet and saucy barbecue flavor, and the delightful glutinous rice balls dessert called onde-onde, attendees savored the diverse flavors of Indonesia.

Overall, the ASEAN Movie Night served as a testament to the strong cultural ties and shared values between Indonesia and Pakistan. It celebrated the power of cinema to bridge gaps and foster understanding among diverse communities.

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