Experience Indonesia’s rich culture through food, entertainment and music this Saturday at Pesona Indonesia at the Darwin Waterfront from 4 pm to 8.30 pm.

“Pesona” meaning “enchantment” is sure to do just that as it showcases Indonesia’s rich and thriving culture through food, music and entertainment.

Explore the diverse and delicious Indonesian cuisine with authentic flavours of food on offer including mie goreng, noodle dishes, curries, rendang, satays, gado gado and spring rolls. Quench your thirst with a fresh coconut drink and finish with a sweet bite to eat with traditional desserts, such as es cendol, es buah, lapis surabaya.

Almost one hundred performers will take the stage to showcase traditional and modern entertainment from angklung and bamboo percussions to kulintang and wooden xylophone and the Ambon group band. The night will feature East Nusa Tenggara folk dances from Indonesian.

This is the fourth year that Pesona Indonesia has been held as its own standalone event, and has become a fixture of Darwin’s successful cultural events calendar.

The festival is scheduled annually on the Saturday of the Picnic Day long weekend, as the date is close to Indonesia’s Independence Day on 17 August.

“The Northern Territory and Indonesia’s strong ties, connection and relationship between the two countries make us proud to be both Australian and Indonesian,” Lydia Gawa, Event Organiser, from Balai Indonesia Inc said.

“Indonesia’s strong influence on the Darwin’s culture is unquestionable, and with our similar laid back lifestyle and climate it’s no wonder that we have a natural connection.”

“Traditional Indonesian food has become a stable for many Darwin locals who regularly enjoy satays and laksas more so than our southern counterparts.”

“Pesona Indonesia gives Darwin locals and visitors an opportunity to experience the Indonesian culture without having to get on a plane overseas; instead we’re bringing it to your doorstep.”

“The event bridges cultural understanding, while also about instilling a sense of cultural pride within our younger generations.”

For more information visit www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/events

Media contact: Paola McCarthy, Events and Marketing Manager, 0437 621 433