JAVANESE TEMBANG AS A TOOL OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
JAVANESE TEMBANG AS A TOOL OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
Faculty of Letters
Department of Art and Design
JULY 28, 2024
Learning and Students, Student Learning and Activities
SDG 16
Culture has an important role in international diplomacy, and music is often one of the most effective media in introducing a nation’s cultural riches. Javanese tembang, as a form of traditional Indonesian music, has great potential to become an effective tool of cultural diplomacy. In a presentation at the AVA D18 Building, Dr. Rully Aprilia Zandra discusses how Javanese songs can be used to introduce Indonesian culture to the international world and highlights the various efforts that have been made to promote Javanese songs on the global stage.
Javanese songs, with their meaningful lyrics, beautiful music, and depictions of deep cultural values, have universal appeal. Dr. Rully explained that Javanese songs could be a window for the international community to get to know more closely the culture and values upheld by the Javanese people, and more broadly, by Indonesia. By involving Javanese songs in various international events, we not only introduce traditional music but also convey the moral, philosophical and social messages contained in it.
A number of efforts have been made to promote Javanese songs on the international stage. Dr. Rully noted several initiatives, such as Javanese song performances at international arts festivals, such as the Bali Arts Festival, which often invites artists from various countries. Apart from that, the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassies often holds concerts and cultural exhibitions in various countries, where Javanese songs are one of the main attractions.
Another example is a cultural exchange program involving musicians and artists from various countries to learn and perform Javanese songs. This program not only increases cultural understanding but also creates a strong cooperation network between Indonesia and other countries. For example, on several occasions, Javanese artists collaborated with musicians from Europe and Asia in concert series that combined Javanese songs with modern musical elements, creating a fusion that appealed to international audiences.
In the digital era, promotion of Javanese songs is also carried out through various online platforms. Dr. Rully emphasized the importance of social media, YouTube and other music streaming platforms in reaching a global audience. By utilizing this technology, Javanese songs can be accessed and enjoyed by anyone, anywhere and at any time. Several Indonesian musicians and music groups have uploaded their performances featuring Javanese songs to this platform, receiving positive responses from international audiences. Javanese songs have great potential as an effective cultural diplomacy tool. Through various promotional efforts and international collaboration, Javanese songs can introduce the beauty and richness of Indonesian culture to the world. As stated by Dr. Rully Aprilia Zandra, Javanese songs are not just a musical heritage, but also a means to strengthen international relations and build better cross-cultural understanding. In this era of globalization, promoting Javanese songs on the international stage is a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia’s cultural position in the world.