Indonesia-Norway Ties Highlighted Through Music and Diplomacy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Music became a metaphor for diplomacy as Indonesia’s Ambassador to Norway and Iceland, Teuku Faizasyah, highlighted the shared values of listening, harmony, and bridging differences during Indonesian Cultural Night in Oslo on Monday, August 24, 2026.

“Music and diplomacy both rely on verbal and non‑verbal communication, the ability to listen carefully, and finding harmony among different voices to bridge divides,” Faizasyah said in his remarks, as quuoted by Antara.

He stressed that such values are increasingly relevant amid global turbulence, rising geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty.

In bilateral terms, Faizasyah reaffirmed Indonesia and Norway’s strong partnership built on openness, dialogue, and mutual respect, noting shared commitments to democracy, human rights, and multilateral cooperation.

Norwegian State Secretary for Climate and Environment Kristofer André Hansen, attending as guest of honor, praised Indonesia’s progress in reducing deforestation and protecting tropical forests. He likened the partnership to jazz harmony.

"Harmony is not created by identical voices, but by different ones listening, responding with trust, and finding rhythm together," he said.

The event, themed “Strings of Equator – A Musical Journey to Indonesia”, brought the richness of Indonesian music to the Victoria National Jazz Scene. Performances by Tantowi Yahya and the Thomshell Band invited guests to sing and dance, celebrating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day with cultural vibrancy.

Around 200 attendees--including diplomats, Norwegian officials, business leaders, local communities, and Indonesian diaspora--filled the renowned Oslo jazz stage, underscoring how cultural exchange continues to strengthen ties between Indonesia and Norway. ***