Mondo Nusantara Concert Becomes Centerpiece of Indonesia-Italy Diplomacy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Mondo Nusantara, a collaborative concert showcasing Indonesian-Italian artistic harmony, was successfully held by the Indonesian Embassy in Rome. The event, held at Wisma Duta on Friday, June 12, 2026, served as a vibrant showcase of the Artistry in Real Time concept.

The headline act, MegaMauro, comprised of Indonesian vocalist Mega Sihombing and Italian maestro Mauro Goia, expertly fused the traditional sounds of the Lake Toba region with Italian classical compositions.

The Indonesian government, through the embassy, noted that the choice of the title was a deliberate diplomatic gesture.

"The naming itself has become a symbol of the encounter between two cultures, as well as an invitation for the Italian people to get to know Indonesian culture more closely, in line with the activity's goal as a bridge for cultural diplomacy between the two nations," according to an official statement of the Indonesian Embassy in Rome, as quoted by Antara.

The concert featured a sophisticated cross-cultural repertoire, notably featuring the Angklung, UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage, played by Mauro Goia in a medley with the Italian legend 'O Sole Mio.

The performance further highlighted North Sumatran heritage with Mega Sihombing playing the gondang (Batak lute), accompanied by Italian flutist Francesca Salandri. This specific collaboration was hailed by the government as a tangible manifestation of the "collaborative spirit" that defines modern Indonesian diplomacy in Europe.

The high-profile event was capped by a rare performance from the Indonesian Ambassador to Italy, Junimart Girsang, who joined the stage to perform a series of duets.

Addressing the audience of diplomats, artists, and media, the Ambassador emphasized that the shared love for tradition between the two nations is a powerful tool for geopolitical friendship.

Through collaborations like this, we are reminded that art has extraordinary power to transcend language, distance, and differences, and to foster a deeper sense of mutual acquaintance and understanding between our two nations," Ambassador Junimart said.

The concert, attended by 80 distinguished guests, also utilized Gastro-diplomacy to round out the experience. Before the musical showcase, attendees were served a selection of iconic Indonesian dishes, including soto ayam, lontong, martabak telur, and martabak manis.

The Mondo Nusantara concert is viewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a successful blueprint for cultural diplomacy, effectively strengthening Indonesia's national image and expanding the appreciation of the archipelago's rich heritage within the Italian community. ***