Welcoming Indonesia's 78th Independence Day, Tugure Supports the Vibrant Muhibah Angklung Flash

Cengkareng — In celebration of Indonesia's 78th Independence Day and to preserve the angklung as a traditional musical instrument native to Indonesia, the national reinsurance company, PT Tugu Reasuransi Indonesia (Tugure), sponsored the Muhibah Angklung Flashmob event held at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng, Banten, on Wednesday.

Fadlil Iswahyudi, Director of Engineering at Tugure, expressed that they provided sponsorship to contribute to this monumental event. He said, "We see this as an extraordinary initiative that deserves support."

Furthermore, Tugure is proud to be part of this event and hopes that it will continue in the coming years. Iswahyudi added, "We hope that this event can inspire all Indonesians, especially the younger generation, to continue preserving Indonesian culture."

Meanwhile, at the event location, the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), Erick Thohir, along with the management of Angkasa Pura 2 and Soekarno-Hatta Airport, were present as part of the flashmob performance.

The Muhibah Angklung Team's activity began uniquely, with a trigger from two musicians playing the bass drum and cymbals. Then, angklung players disguised as tourists, flight attendants, skateboarders, security guards, police officers, soldiers, and even traffic wardens suddenly gathered in one place while carrying angklung instruments. A soldier approached a janitor and handed over a conductor's baton. He then led the angklung orchestra in singing the song "Rayuan Pulau Kelapa."

After the song, a performer portraying Indonesia's first President, Soekarno, read the proclamation text, followed by all participants saluting the red and white flag while "Indonesia Raya" played on angklung instruments. Minister Erick Thohir joined in singing "Indonesia Raya" while paying respects to the flag with solemnity.

Following that, the Muhibah Angklung Team performed three songs, including "Jali-Jali," "Yamko Rambe Yamko," and "Li Biamo Ne Lieti Calici" from the opera La Traviatta, which was the winning song when the team received the Grand Prix in Bulgaria. Besides the flashmob and angklung performance, a cultural parade was held, featuring Minister Erick Thohir and Angkasa Pura 2 directors wearing traditional attire from various regions as they paraded around the airport, accompanied by angklung music.

"I want to make Indonesian airports a showcase of our culture. Here's the proof that we can play angklung at the airport, and there's also a cultural parade. Preserve our culture, preserve our nation. A prosperous nation is one that preserves its culture!" Erick said.

Maulana M Syuhada, the Chairman of the Muhibah Angklung Team, explained that the team has been on a cultural mission, promoting angklung internationally across three continents (Australia, Europe, and America) and in more than 15 countries. They have received various awards at international festivals, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

"In 2024, the Muhibah Angklung Team also plans to embark on a cultural mission to Africa and the Middle East," Maulana said.