RRI.CO.ID, London: Indonesian diaspora artists in London turned music into solidarity through the Songs for Sumatra charity concert. The event showed how culture can nurture long-term hope for flood victims.

It reflected Indonesia’s spirit of togetherness beyond borders. Songs for Sumatra was held at Greenwich Borough Hall in London on 2 February 2026.

The charity concert was organized with Human Aid Initiative to support flood-affected communities in Sumatra. Indonesian diaspora artists across the United Kingdom took part.

The event brought together musicians, dancers, and visual artists from Indonesia’s diaspora scene. Audiences enjoyed live music, traditional dance, and art exhibitions throughout the program.

Indonesian food, coffee, crafts, and an Indonesia Travel Fair completed the experience. One of the performers was London-based multidisciplinary artist Gabriela Fernandez.

She shared her perspective during an interview with Voice of Indonesia on 3 February 2026. Gabriela underlined the strong response from the community.

“This event has raised, I think, more, even more than 95,000 pound sterling, which is amazing.” she said.

Beyond fundraising, Gabriela highlighted the emotional impact of the concert. She said the event strengthened a sense of unity among Indonesians abroad and people in Sumatra. Art became a shared space for empathy and healing.

“How all of these can help us feel a certain way that we are together in this and that we are not alone and that you are not alone for people in Sumatra. And it might not be like directly, directly changing things in a blink, but it is something that can sustain for long term,” she said.

The charity concert received support from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in London. Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture also backed the initiative as part of cultural outreach. The collaboration reflected Indonesia’s humanitarian engagement on the global stage.

As quoted by humanaidinitiative.org, Human Aid Initiative UK Director Mohamad Susilo expressed appreciation to the organizers. He said the donations are being used to repair and rebuild school facilities.

The effort aims to restore education access in flood-affected areas of Sumatra.