PHNOM PENH – A kaleidoscope of color and culture filled the Chaktomuk Conference Hall on December 6. Dancers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia took the stage, their movements a vibrant celebration of 65 years of friendship between Cambodia and Indonesia.

The performance, titled ‘Harmony in Motion: Building Friendship through Indonesia's Arts and Culture’, showcased the talents of students and alumni who received the Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship 2024.

Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, a member of the Supreme Privy Council, highlighted the enduring friendship between Cambodia and Indonesia. She noted that the warm relationship, forged by leaders like King Norodom Sihanouk and Indonesia’s founder President Achmed Sukarno, had transcended political and economic considerations.

The deep cultural ties between the two nations were further strengthened when King Norodom Sihanouk introduced Cambodian ballet to Indonesia, captivating audiences with its grace and beauty.

Meanwhile, King Norodom Sihamoni also became friends with Sukarno’s son, Guruh Sukarno.

Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Anoch Norodom Arunrasmy gives a speech during the celebration. Photo: Meng Seavmey

This cultural exchange, along with the personal friendship between King Sihanouk and President Sukarno, laid the foundation for a lasting bond.

“This historical bond is not just a testament of the leadership, but also a reminder of enduring strength of diplomacy, arts and culture, and has consistently been a powerful instrument for the connection – strengthening political boundaries to unify our people,” said Princess Arunrasmy.

She added, “Our shared humanity and destiny as Southeast Asian nations was brought to life by the shared artistic expression. The journey both in the past and present demonstrates the value of cultural exchange and constructing bridges, promoting understanding collaborations between the nations.” 

Today, these connections are as vital as those during the time of friendship between the late Norodom Sihanouk and Sukarno. Moreover, the friendship has grown over 65 years through education, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, especially shown through the support from Indonesia for Cambodia during the Paris Peace Agreement in 1991. 

Makar Dance performed by Dancers of Department of Performing Arts, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia. Photo: Meng Seavmey

Cambodian and Indonesian students have benefited from cultural exchange programs, gaining valuable insights into each other's cultures. These initiatives not only foster understanding but also ensure that the spirit of friendship endures for generations to come.

"By supporting cultural diplomacy," Princess Arunrasmy stated, "we strengthen our bond and ensure its longevity."

The performance, ‘Harmony in Motion’, weaves a captivating tale of cross-cultural friendship. The story unfolds through six scenes, beginning with Srey Meas, a Cambodian dancer, discovering an old book that reveals shared histories between Cambodia and Indonesia. This sparks her curiosity, leading her to embark on a journey to Indonesia.

In Act 1, ‘Leap of Faith’, Srey Meas arrives in Indonesia and meets Abang, a Dayak youth. Together, they embark on a cultural adventure, exploring the diverse landscapes and rich traditions of the Indonesian archipelago.

This is the sixth scene of the performance, showing Srey Meas and Abang standing together surrounded by other nations. Photo: Meng Seavmey 

Act 2, ‘Dance of Discovery’, immerses the audience in the vibrant rhythms and stories of Indonesia's many islands. Srey Meas and Abang connect with local communities, learning about their customs and traditions.

In Act 3, ‘Birth of an Idea’, the two reflect on their journey and realize the deep-rooted similarities between their cultures. Inspired by this shared heritage, they collaborate on a powerful dance performance.

The final scene, ‘A Legacy of Friendship’, celebrates the enduring bond between Cambodia and Indonesia. Srey Meas and Abang, joined by dancers from other nations, deliver a message of unity, mutual respect, and the boundless power of cultural exchange.

The performance culminates in a harmonious blend of Cambodian and Dayak dance styles, accompanied by traditional instruments. This breathtaking finale reinforces the story's central theme: art transcends borders, and friendship knows no limits.

Indonesian Ambassador speaks during the celebration on Dec. 6 at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall. Photo: Meng Seavmey

Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto views the celebration as a significant milestone in a shared history that dates back to the ancient Srivijaya and Khmer Empires. He highlights the rich cultural exchange and the flow of knowledge and ideas between the two nations, a legacy that continues to inspire us today.

“In recent years, our collaborations in various fields have reached new heights,” the ambassador said. "I am proud of the hard work and dedication of all involved, including Cambodian and Indonesian diplomats, officials, academics, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and the younger generation."

The ambassador expressed his delight in the growing interest of Cambodians in Indonesian culture, noting the high number of applicants for the scholarship program each year. He hopes to see even more Cambodians embracing Indonesian culture in the future.

At the celebration, he emphasized that the talented performers were not professionals but rather students and alumni of the Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship program from Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

The Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship, initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003, aims to promote cultural exchange and foster global friendship under the banner of "Friends of Indonesia." To date, the program has produced 1,071 alumni from 84 countries, including 24 Cambodian students who have studied Indonesian traditional dance, music, and fine arts.

This year, the program was joined by 30 participants from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Vietnam. 

The Angin Mamiri Dance performed by two Cambodian and an Indonesian students. Photo: Meng Seavmey