By Isle of Wight Observer
A day of music, dancing and food was enjoyed by the Island’s Indonesian community, which included a rousing rendition of ‘My Way’, sung by High Sheriff, Nigel Hartley, accompanied by Indonesian singer, Marlon Tambunan, and UK Ambassador, Dr Desra Percaya, on the saxophone.
Around 150 people, including guests from the mainland, attended the event held at East Cowes Town Hall last Saturday.
The day started with the IW Indonesian Community performing a story dance entitled ‘Tari Rangkong’ from Kalimantan Island.
There was also a welcoming dance, the Suali-Jali’, by Karina Piper, in a cheery vibrant multicolour costume which set up the atmosphere vibes, and this was followed by the ‘Tari Jauk Manis’, a traditional Balinese solo mask dance, performed by Ida Bagus Nara.
Among the other special guests were: Leader of the IW Indonesian Community, Wayan Gunawan; IW Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Watt; East Cowes
Mayor, Cllr Tracy Reardon; Dr Desra and his wife, Madam Ambassador, Ibu Sari Percaya; and Operations Director of Red Funnel, Neil Chapman.
Mal Butler