Thousands, comprised of both Australian public and international tourists, flocked to the 2018 IndOz Festival – an event promoting Indonesian art, culture, music and cuisine, held at King George Square, Brisbane on 18 August 2018.

 

The festival, which started from 11.00am – 17.00 was organised by Synergy Indonesia Australia with support from various parties, among them are the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, the Indonesian Investment Promotion Centre Sydney, the City of Brisbane, the Queensland Government, the University of Queensland as well as the Queensland University of Technology.

 

The Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Kristiarto Legowo, accompanied by the Indonesian Consul General in Sydney, Heru Subolo officially inaugurated the event. Being there to deliver remarks and support the IndOz Festival, were dignitaries such as Deputy Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner, and Mr Peter Russo MP – Member for Toohey – as well as Mr Priyantono Rudito from the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism.

 

“Today’s stronger Indonesia-Australia relationship is due to the collaboration of many parties, and IndOz Festival has been one such important group” underlined Ambassador Kristiarto Legowo during his remarks. “Thank you all for being part of a better Indonesia-Australia relationship and please continue to make such positive contribution” he continued.

 

IndOz Festival has been held annually for 6 consecutive years, and has received wide acknowledgement by the Queensland State Government and the City of Brisbane as one of the biggest cultural events in Queensland, particularly in Brisbane. The Festival’s contribution to the multicultural development in Queensland and Brisbane is also highly appreciated.

 

“IndOz Festival is a reflection of close partnership between Indonesia and Australia. Furthermore, it has contributed significantly to the commitment by the Queensland Government for development of a stronger multicultural society”,  Mr Peter Russo expressed, on behalf of the Queensland Minister for Multicultural Affairs. This same message of appreciation was also expressed by the Deputy Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner.

 

Compared to last year, this years IndOz Festival is bigger, both in terms of the number of stands and the number of performances. More than 16 stands, including food stalls and creative industry product stands occupied the total area of 3,000km2 at King George Square. As many as 15 arts and cultural performances were presented on the stage.

 

“The fact that this years Festival is bigger than last years underlines a closer relationship between Indonesia and Australia. It also reflects the support of our Indonesian community in Australia to the ongoing process between our two governments to level up the Indonesia-Australia relationship from a strategic to a comprehensive partnership”, underscored Consul General Heru Subolo during discussion with officials from Brisbane and Queensland governments.

 

Original article: https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/thousands-to-flock-2018-indoz-festival-in-brisbane