The
Indonesian Department of Culture and Tourism, through its "Know
Your Country, Love Your Country" program, is actively promoting
and preserving Indonesia's fascinating cultural heritage. As part of
this effort, on 14-18 November 2007 at Kartika Expo Center, Balai Kartini,
Jakarta, it held the first-ever Ragam Pernikahan Nusantara, or Variety
of Indonesian Weddings.
Inspired by cultures from Sabang (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam) to Merauke
(Papua), the show focused on all artistic and cultural aspects of traditional
weddings. The event, opened by Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero
Wacik, showed everything from preparations through wedding processions
and ceremonies from many provinces, each with unique local differences.
As well as seeing both traditional and modern ceremonies, visitors also had the chance to obtain more detailed information from the stands. The event also featured several contests–wedding makeup, pre-wedding photos, and wedding singers–and an exhibition of–pelaminan (bridal dais).
This event will be held each year, and next year's will be a featured part of Visit Indonesia Year 2008.
