File:The Invitees Applaud Indonesian Performances at the Indonesian 77th Indepenence Day Reception 02.jpg

English: More than 300 guests were amazed by Indonesian dances performance at the Diplomatic Reception to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day, held on 13 September 2022 in the Songket Ballroom, Rizqun International Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan. Beside dances performance, the guests were also presented with Indonesian culinary, video of tourism destination, and mini exhibition of Indonesian handy crafts.

“Indonesia's dances are performed by the Indonesian children who live in Brunei who are trained in the Seni Nusantara Art Studio run by the Womens' Association of the Indonesian Embassy", said Ambassador Sujatmiko to the Guest of Honour.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of the State of Brunei Darussalam, Dato Seri Setia Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad and his wife were the Guests of Honor at the reception, and the invitees among others were Brunei high officials, entrepreneurs, academics, Brunei community leaders and heads of foreign representatives, as well as representatives of the Indonesian communities in Brunei. They were amazed by the performances, diverse cultures displayed and delicious Indonesian food. The stage decorations and layout of the show are full of Indonesian nuance and attract visitors' attention and admiration.

In the opening speech, Ambassador of Indonesia, Dr. Sujatmiko said that the relationship between the two countries is getting stronger and more robust, despite facing the challenging situation in recent years. Continuity of meetings, mutual visits and new commitments are taking place in various fields. The trade volume between the two countries has increased from US$204.3 million in 2020 to US$374.2 million in 2021. The Indonesian Ambassador hopes that relations between the two countries will continue to strengthen.

On behalf of the Indonesian people who live and work in Brunei, the Indonesian Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, who has given the opportunity for the Indonesia Migrant Workers to live and work in Brunei. The Ambassador also informed that on various occasions, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has told President Joko Widodo about the contribution of Indonesian workers to Brunei's economic development.

At the first performance, the Pendet Dance welcomes the Guest of Honors and his spouse. Other performances are the Gunung Sari Dance from Central Java, Pakarena Dance from South Sulawesi, Plate Dance from West Sumatera, Peacock Dance from West Java, and Traditional Music Angklung from West Java. The Saman Dance from Aceh was played as the closing that received applause from the audience.

The event grew livelier and got “surprise" when the Indonesian Ambassador and Defense Attaché spontaneously joined in the Angklung bamboo musical orchestra by beating traditional drums. Not only that, the Ambassador also sang a song “Indonesia Pusaka".

The diplomatic reception was the culmination of a series of activities held to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Indonesian independence organized by the Embassy of Indonesia in Bandar Seri Begawan. Other activities were sports tournament for the Indonesian community, blood drive and health check, fun bike event, bazaar and cultural performance called “Pasar Rakyat"; all were held in last July and August. This diplomatic reception was held for the first time in two years since the Covid-19 pandemic.​