KBRN, Jakarta: As part of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration, Indonesian Ambassador to Canada, Muhsin Syihab, presented special awards to two prominent Balinese gamelan (a traditional Indonesian ensemble of percussion instruments) groups in Canada: Giri Kedaton and Semara Winangun. Both groups are unique in that they are entirely led and comprised of Canadian citizens.

According to a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa, on Monday, 18 August, 2025, Giri Kedaton has become an integral part of the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Music curriculum, highlighting how Indonesia’s cultural richness continues to resonate globally.

Pierre Pare Blais, leader of Giri Kedaton, expressed his enthusiasm for Indonesian culture despite most of his members never having seen gamelan instruments in person. “One day, I hope to bring Giri Kedaton to perform in Indonesia to showcase our love and appreciation for its culture,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Meanwhile, Semara Winangun has frequently collaborated with the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa to promote Indonesian culture through various performances and events. Lori Snyder, a representative of the group, thanked the embassy for its longstanding support.

“We’re grateful to the embassy for not only providing us a space to practice but also helping store our Gamelan Bali instruments. That support has allowed us to express our deep passion for this uniquely beautiful form of music," she said.

The awards were presented during an Independence Day ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa, attended by around 370 members of the Indonesian community and diaspora from Ottawa, Montreal, and nearby cities. Many guests wore traditional Indonesian attire and fabrics (Wastra Nusantara), creating a festive and cultural atmosphere.

During his remarks, Ambassador Muhsin Syihab also reflected on the embassy’s accomplishments over the past year in strengthening Indonesia Canada bilateral relations.

“The spirit of Independence Day should remind us to continue our efforts in building a better Indonesia, inspired by the sacrifices of our heroes,” he said.

The celebration concluded with a symbolic presentation of nasi tumpeng (a cone shaped yellow rice surrounded by assorted Indonesian side dishes) to a senior member of the Indonesian diaspora, followed by traditional 17 August games such as kerupuk (Indonesian crispy crackers) eating contests, marble races, and team balloon relays.

Earlier in the month, the Indonesian Embassy organized various events in honor of Independence Day, including a fun walk and karaoke session on August 2, and an Indonesian cultural and culinary showcase in Gatineau on August 10.

The embassy will continue the festivities with a community celebration in Montreal on August 23, and the series will conclude with an Independence Festival and Indonesian food bazaar at the embassy in Ottawa on August 31. ***