ARTISANS International Penang (AIP), in collaboration with Komunitas Pencinta Budaya Indonesia (Community of Indonesian Culture Lovers) in Penang, jointly hosted a vibrant Indonesian cultural event at Nona Bali today in aid of charity.
Titled “Liwetan” – a traditional communal dining practice from East Java where family and friends gather around banana leaf-lined tables to share a meal – the programme featured captivating Indonesian dance performances by Ika King and Rika, along with soulful songs by Icha Khania Mulya Jannati and Dottie.
The event also highlighted Indonesia’s rich heritage with a batik Sunda showcase, where several members took turns modelling the batik pieces before guest speaker Ratna Handayani, a batik expert from Bogor, shared her insights on the art of batik. In addition, an angklung workshop was conducted by Difa Hafizh, an Indonesian student from Al Bukhari International University, Alor Setar.
About 50 members and guests from both societies attended, including Madam Tan Lean Kee, wife of the Penang Chief Minister; Ibu Sintha Wanton, wife of the Indonesian Consul-General in Penang; and Datuk Annie Chin, Honorary Consul of Brazil in Penang.
AIP founder Suraya Ibrahim said Liwetan was AIP’s second event of the year, following the Mizuhiki Japanese Craft Workshop in June led by Japanese member Ms Etsuko.
“We are pleased to share that all proceeds from both events will go to the Children’s Protection Society and Agape Home. Over the years, we’ve also supported Special Children’s Centre, Shan Home, Sri Cahaya, Rumah Perlindungan Simpang Ampat, provided school uniforms for underprivileged students, and even a projector and screen for SMK Hj Zainul Abidin,” she said.
Suraya also expressed her gratitude for the partnership with Komunitas Pencinta Budaya Indonesia, led by its founder Evy Lee and her dedicated team.
“Together, we continue to build bridges of friendship and understanding through art, culture, and care for our community,” she added.
She further thanked the attendees for their support, with a special mention of AIP treasurer Esther Giam for her unwavering dedication to managing finances since the society’s inception.
“To all our artisan members, thank you for your time, effort, and quiet dedication — from working together during the challenges of the pandemic to continuing to extend a helping hand to those in need. Can you believe we are now approaching our fifth year together? Time truly flies!” Suraya concluded.
The cultural showcase was followed by a Nasi Liwet lunch, featuring steamed rice, fried chicken, fried fish, vegetables, prawns, and sambal, all spread on banana leaves to foster unity and strengthen bonds.
As guests enjoyed dessert, Chef Made conducted a cooking demonstration on preparing karedok, a Sundanese raw vegetable salad. To close the occasion, Icha led a heartfelt choir performance of Pileuleuyan, before the attendees joined in the spirited Tabole Bale dance.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En
