Jakarta, Indonesia ― May 20, 2010 ― Multiculturalism and pluralism were central themes celebrated with a jazzier tone at a music concert at Teater Kecil, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta on April 24, 2010. Aptly named “Jazz for Harmony,” the concert is part of a series of events to promote peace and harmony entitled “Suara Harmony Indonesia” or Harmony Voice of Indonesia, organized by one of USAID/SERASI grantees, Pusat Studi Islam dan Kenegaraan (PSIK) or The Center for Islam and State Studies Indonesia. The series of events started with a screening of foreign and national films in a “Harmony Film Festival” on March 29, 2010 and concluded with the “Nusantara Festival of Harmony” on May 20, 2010 that featured Indonesian traditional dances, music, and songs.

Jazz for Harmony featured a special guest performance by Dwiki Darmawan (and Friends), a highly acclaimed jazz musician, famous for conveying messages with elements of diversity and harmony in his compositions. His music combines a variety of modern instruments with traditional music instruments, including the traditional flute and gendang or drum, producing a complex fusion of musical flavors. The event also highlighted a number of talented college student bands, such as: Mamboo representing Insititut Pertanian Bogor, Bluey from Universitas Nasional, and Fortuna from Universitas Islam Negeri Jakarta. These bands produced unique and exciting jazz compositions enriched by traditional elements. Fortuna, for example, brought the audience to their feet with their spectacular renditions of popular ethnic songs, Tombo Ati and Bengawan Solo.

“Jazz is an ideal medium to campaign pluralism and multiculturalism as it represents an array of musical instruments that provide unconventional sounds that make up a harmonious melody,” Yudi Latif, Chair Person of PSIK explained. According to Mr. Latif, “In the past, people promoted religious teachings effectively through wayang, poetry, and traditional music. Hence, in a modern world, we feel that we may be able to apply the same principles using jazz to promote peaceful interactions and recognition of diversity.”

At the end of performing four exhilarating musical numbers, Dwiki Dharmawan conveyed to the audience that his music is thoroughly inspired by his experiences meeting and interacting with people of various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. “Judging by the audience’s reaction at the Jazz for Harmony festival tonight, we hope that the audience walk away with a renewed sense of unity brought on by watching the unique and special performances that inspire harmony and peace,” concluded Mr. Latif.

SERASI is a USAID funded project focused on creating stable, democratic communities. It is implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD).