First Lady Iriana Invites G20 Leaders’ Spouses to Enjoy Local Cultures

First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo and spouses of leaders of the G20 member countries and international organizations at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Tuesday (11/15). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Lukas)

First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo Tuesday (11/15) met with spouses of the leaders of the G20 member countries and international organizations during spouse program of the G20 Summit at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort in Bali province.

The First Lady greeted the spouses at the arrival lobby upon their arrival at around 09.00 Central Indonesian time.

The event was attended by the spouse of the Spanish President Madam María Begoña Gómez Fernández, the spouse of the Turkish President Madam Emine Erdoğan, the spouse of the Japanese Prime Minister Madam Yuko Kishida, the spouse of the European Commission President Heiko von der Leyen, the spouse of the South Korean President Madam Kim Keon-hee, and the spouse of the Chinese President Madam Peng Liyuan.

The attendees watched a demo of doub palm leaf craft, batik making, and weaving, accompanied by Vice Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Herliani Tanoesoedibjo and Sociocultural Affair and Human Development Expert Staff of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Siti Nugraha Mauludiah.

“Welcome to Indonesia. I am pleased to welcome you all in Bali island,” Iriana said when opening the event.

According to Iriana, the leaders’ spouses would be invited to enjoy Indonesia’s local cultures, including crafts, cuisines, and music, such as gamelan, a traditional musical ensemble that was played to welcome the attendees.

“Gamelan is a traditional musical ensemble made of bamboos. It is environmentally friendly. The harmony of its sounds can make us feel as if we are united with nature and create harmony. Harmony itself is found in the life of the diverse people of Indonesia who live peacefully with tolerance,” she said.

Iriana also expressed hope that the spouses can have a good time in Bali, fall in love with Indonesia, and extend their visit.

The First Lady then invited the spouses to see various cultural activities from different regions of Indonesia held at the backyard of the resort, such as Papuan noken bag crafting; musical performances of Javanese gamelan, Balinese rindik, and North Sumatran gondang; performances of Merak dance from West Java province and Tor-tor dance from North Sumatra province; and children playing Snakes and Ladders game.

The spouses were also invited to see a showcase of bamboo weaving products and several products of MSMEs from various regions of Indonesia before the meeting was ended with a luncheon. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (DH/MMB)