National Culture Week Proves Pandemic Doesn’t Limit Artists, Cultural Practitioners

President Jokowi delivers remarks through video conference at the National Culture Week 2020, Saturday (31/10). (Photo by: BPMI – Presidential Secretariat)

Pandemic doesn’t stop artists and cultural practitioners to create. In fact, all people should not give up to the current condition by continuing their works and moving towards the future.

The statement were made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo when virtually opened the National Culture Week 2020, Saturday (31/10).

“The National Culture Week will prove that cultural practitioners and artists throughout the country are not willing to give up to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the difficulties and challenges that they must face. Regardless of ethnicity and religion, they join hands to lay ‘cultural brick’ on the foundation of the civilization of the Advanced Indonesia,” he said.

For the record, this year’s National Culture Week which is held virtually adopted a theme ‘Common Room for Happy Indonesia’ that places culture as the foundation in facing the pandemic.

“In facing the COVID-19 pandemic, it awoke the culture of community resilience against disasters. For more than eight months, the people have been building their solidarity, mutual assistance, and also supporting the Government’s measures to curb the pandemic,” the President said.

In the history, Indonesians gained their optimism and persistence from the experiences against natural disasters. Since Indonesia lies on the Ring of Fire, the people is always vigilant against disaster.

For centuries, he added, ancestors of the Indonesians embraced those challenges, maintained harmony with the nature, built their culture and other values.

“That made us a tough nation who are creative, rich in culture, and respects diversity,” he stated.

During the pandemic, the people also promoted local wisdom namely Jamu (traditional herbal medicine) to boost immune system against COVID-19. On the other hand, some artists performed to entertain the public so they remain calm in facing the pandemic. They all worked for the nation and country.

On that occasion, the President also called on all sides to keep working and promoting local wisdom in fighting against the pandemic by adhering to the health protocols. He also invited all to protect the mother nature. (BPMI/UN)

Translated by: Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti