English: On 21 September 2020, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia hosted a dinner for the cultural community of Brunei Darussalam at the Residence of the Indonesian Ambassador. Also attending the dinner were Y.A.M. Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Munjiatul Athirah; Awang Haji Mohd Abdoh, Head of Culture and Arts, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Hjh. Linda, Head of the Tapis Team of the Ministry of Home Affairs; Fakhrul Razi, Brunei musician; DJ Daffy, Kristal FM host; D'Academy Asia alumni; Bintang Search finalists; Brunei Darussalam media representatives; as well as representatives of Indonesian community cultural groups in Brunei Darussalam.
In his remarks as the host, the Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Sujatmiko, said "Culture is a means of developing bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia, where the two nations being of the same Malay families share many similarities such as language, food, and ways of socializing."
Furthermore, Ambassador Sujatmiko added, "I hope the two countries can develop cooperation in the cultural field, such as through collaborative art performances that will enhance mutual understanding and also develop the talents of the artists."
Representing the Brunei cultural community, Fakhrul Razi said "Artists have important characteristics to shape culture for present and future generations". He also added that the Brunei musicians and artists wished to bring Brunei music and films to be known internationally, including in Indonesia.
In addition, Hans Annuar, a jury at D'Academy Asia, conveyed that "Jalinan Nada", a programme developed by RTB and TVRI that is no longer aired, merited to be resumed.
Ambassador Sujatmiko then presented plaques of appreciation to Munji Athirah, Fakhrul Razi and DJ Daffy as a token of appreciation for their contribution to improving Brunei-Indonesian cultural relations, such as through the promotion of Indonesian music and films in Brunei Darussalam.
The roles of these three people are very important in introducing Indonesian music and films in Brunei Darussalam. Munji and Fakhrul Razi recently held Bintang Search, a Brunei Darussalam music contest which was attended by more than 300 participants to get the best five finalists. The good news is that around 80% of the songs sung are Indonesian songs. Munji also played a role in presenting 2-3 Indonesian films for the people of Brunei in the Brunei Film Blitz, the annual film festival in Brunei Darussalam. DJ Daffy, also plays a role in promoting Indonesian pop and dangdut songs on Kristal FM, one of the leading radio stations in Brunei.
In the event that was also attended by all Indonesian Embassy staff, Ambassador Sujatmiko also gave his appreciation to members of the media and influencers who helped introduce Indonesia through conventional media and social media.
The dinner was concluded with several popular music performances by D'Academy Asia alumni from Brunei, Bintang Seach finalists and Indonesian community music groups in Brunei Darussalam.
Brunei Darussalam musicians are also well-known in Indonesia, such as Jaz Hayat and Fakhrul Razi. In addition, DJ Daffy and Hans Annuar are also widely known by Indonesians as commentators for the finalists at D'Academy Asia, a dangdut music contest held by a private television station in Indonesia.