ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of Indonesia Adam Tugio on Wednesday night invited Pakistani guests to an exhibition of images depicting similarities between the cultures of Indonesia and Pakistan.

The exhibition titled, A Night At Lok Virsa Museum: The Confluence of Civilisations Between Indonesia and Pakistan, coincides with the 77th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.

“The show also coincides with the celebrations of diamond jubilee of cordial relations with Pakistan next month, which we will all be celebrating together,” Mr Tugio said.

The exhibition, organised by the Indonesian embassy and Lok Virsa, features a selected collection of photographs and videos that shed light on inter-regional connectivity and cross-cultural influence on both countries.

The exhibition offers a fresh perspective into historical connections, religious backgrounds and the confluence of civilisation of both countries from past to present.

Some of the works focus on the spread of Buddhism and Islam in Indonesia besides the ancient civilisation and rock art.

According to the ambassador, the images will help people of the two countries trace cultural roots and the true purpose and deeper meaning of existence. The show is a continuation of a book launch from last year about similarities between Indonesia and Pakistan that received a good response.

“Many elements of the Buddhist culture in Indonesia seem to have been borrowed from Taxila. One of the main objectives is to highlight the fusion of culture between the two countries. Throughout this exhibition you will see the influence of Buddhism and Islam in today’s Indonesia and Pakistan.

“It will attract more people from Pakistan to Indonesia and vice versa and they will be amazed by the similarities in traditions and beyond such as food and commonalities between the Indonesian batik shawl and the Pakistani ajrak,” Mr Tugio said.

He said his favourite corners were the two ajrak and batik booths, where shawl makers from both countries described the tough grind of making the ajrak and batik. “It is an excellent example of fusion of the two cultures,” he added.

A miniature model of Borobudur, the biggest Buddhist temple in the world was also a major attraction. “It took 50 years to excavate Borobudur. I am very proud to share that the miniature model has been made by Pakistani craftsmen,” the ambassador said.

Besides local guests, dignitaries from the diplomatic corps such as Australia, Jordan, Korea and Thailand were also present. They enjoyed Pakistani musicians playing Indonesian tunes.

Lok Virsa’s Executive Director Sajjad Ahmed said: “Pakistan and Indonesia are blessed with rich cultural heritage and traditions with interesting similarities, which play an important role in keeping our bonds intact.”

The show will continue at Lok Virsa till July 24.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2022