Indonesian Cultural Night Enhances Indonesia-Norway Cultural Diplomacy

RRI.CO.ID, Oslo – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Oslo held a diplomatic reception to commemorate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary through the Indonesian Cultural Night: “Strings of Equator – A Musical Journey to Indonesia” at Victoria National Jazz Scene in Oslo on August 24, 2026.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Oslo received in Jakarta on Friday, around 200 guests attended the event, including members of the diplomatic corps, Norwegian government officials, business representatives, and the Indonesian diaspora. State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment, Kristofer André Hansen attended the event as the guest of honor.

Indonesian Ambassador to Norway and Iceland, Teuku Faizasyah, said music and diplomacy share a similar philosophy in building global understanding amid geopolitical dynamics.

“Music and diplomacy both rely on verbal and non-verbal communication, the ability to listen attentively, and finding harmony among different voices to bridge differences,” he said.

In the context of bilateral relations, Faizasyah said Indonesia and Norway have a strong partnership foundation based on openness, democratic values, and respect for international law.

He said these shared values are an important foundation for strengthening strategic dialogue and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

“On the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, we look to the future with confidence and optimism. We remain committed to working closely with Norway and all our partners to deepen dialogue, strengthen cooperation across various forums, including people-to-people relations, and contribute to a more peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hansen praised Indonesia’s progress in reducing deforestation and strengthening strategic partnerships in climate, energy, and trade that have been developed since 1950.

Hansen highlighted Indonesia-Norway cooperation through the lens of music, emphasizing the importance of differences in creating harmony.

“Harmony does not come from voices that are the same, but from different voices that listen to one another, respond with trust, and find a common rhythm,” he said.

The diplomatic reception took place in a warm atmosphere, featuring a performance by Tantowi Yahya and the Thomshell Band, which presented a cultural narrative of the Indonesian archipelago.

Guests were also invited to sing and dance together to the Indonesian songs “Gemu Fa Mi Re” and “Poco-Poco.”

University of Oslo Political Science Professor Dan Banik praised the cultural diplomacy approach adopted by the Indonesian Embassy in Oslo in commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary.

“Who says diplomacy is boring? Indonesia’s National Day celebration in Oslo truly turned into a party. Rarely have I had this much fun at a diplomatic event. This is cultural diplomacy at its best,” Banik said.