Zubair Qureshi
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in collaboration with the Lahore Museum is all set to showcase Indonesia’s rich civilization, cultural heritage, trade, traditions, cuisine, art and artifact during a week-long exhibition starting on June 18 at the Lahore Museum.
The week-long exhibition will remain open for the general public featuring a meticulously curated collection of photographs and videos to provide a fresh perspective on the cross-cultural connectivity between the two biggest Muslim populated countries from past to present time.
The event was earlier scheduled for May 9, corresponding to the Intentional Day of Museums, but due to the violent incidents in the wake of the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, it was rescheduled.
In order to make the event successful and to discuss the plan, a team of the Lahore Museum’s officials led by Director, Muhammad Usman arrived at the embassy on Thursday and met Ambassador Adam Tugio and his team to give final shape to the arrangements.
While briefing the Museum’s officials and the media persons present on the occasion, the Indonesian ambassador said the embassy would also inaugurate a photo exhibition titled” A Night at Lahore Museum: Tracing the Confluence of Civilizations between Indonesia and Pakistan” on the eve of the exhibition i.e. June 17.
I invite my Pakistani friends, members of the diplomatic corps, journalists, business community, researchers, tourists and students as well, to come and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our two Muslim brotherly countries, said the ambassador adding, “Let’s embrace the spirit of friendship and witness together the exciting display of cross-cultural connectivity and convergence of Indonesia-Pakistan civilization through past and present journeys.”
Director of the Lahore Museum, Muhammad Usman appreciated the ambassador’s efforts and the joint collaboration which he said would further strengthen the already cordial relations between the two countries especially in the historic, religious and cultural sectors. He assured full cooperation from the Lahore Museum to make the event successful and colourful for the visitors.
One important aspect of the exhibition is to highlight the spread of the Buddhist and Islamic civilization from ancient Gandhara to the archipelago, the territories known as Indonesia today, initially in search of spices, the golden green at that time.
Through the display of selected photographs and art works, the exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to the visitors and art lovers to witness the impact of cultural influences across continents.