Photo Exhibition "Indonesia: Between Roots and Becoming" Marks 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between Bulgaria and Indonesia
The photo exhibition "Indonesia: Between Roots and Becoming" opened on October 26 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. The exhibition commemorates the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Indonesia, which date back to September 20, 1956.
The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bulgaria, the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the "Asia and Oceania" Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The exhibition features 35 panels displaying photographs that reveal various aspects of Indonesian culture and identity. Through the art of photography, the exhibition offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and the contemporary manifestations of its cultural landscape.
The official opening featured remarks by H.E. Listiana Operananta, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Bulgaria, and Mr. Hristo Polendakov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. In their remarks, they highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and similar joint initiatives in strengthening friendly relations between the two countries and deepening mutual understanding between their peoples.
The exhibition was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, including the Ambassadors of Croatia, Cambodia, the Netherlands, Morocco and Viet Nam, as well as representatives of the diplomatic missions of Algeria, Albania, Belarus, Brazil, Yemen, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, Portugal and Saudi Arabia.
The title "Between Roots and Growth" points to the connection between cultural memory, traditions, and the continuous development of society. In this context, photography serves as a medium for cultural dialogue, allowing the audience to discover new perspectives on Indonesia and its multifaceted identity.
The exhibition is curated by Andang Iskandar, who is also one of the featured photographers. A total of 14 photographers are participating in the project: Amalia Nurbaiti, Andang Iskandar, Arbain Rambey, Yurika R'Bii, Erli Bahsan, Fauzan Kesuma, Flora Rikin, Freddy Cendika, Irfan Kamil, R. Y. Adam Panji, Ruli Suryono, Shauma Silmi Faza, Syuaibun Iljas, and Utami Dewi Gojali.
The photo exhibition is part of the initiatives marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Indonesia, and serves as yet another opportunity to affirm the role of culture as a vital instrument of public and cultural diplomacy.