Indonesia’s naval academy band thrills with precise movements, soulful melodies
PENANG’s Esplanade came alive with pomp and pageantry during the visit of Indonesian Naval Academy’s Gita Jala Taruna Marching Band.
The 97-member troupe, clad in its crisp, white-and-blue ceremonial uniforms, conjured one stirring rhythm after another as they navigated the field in disciplined formations.
Thunderous beats were intertwined with soulful flute melodies and bright brass echoes, reflecting the neighbouring country’s rich musical and artistic heritage.
The cadets’ well-executed and synchronised drill movements underscored the band’s reputation as one of South-East Asia’s finest military ensembles.
The performance was held in honour of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day on Aug 17.
It was also a celebration of the deep friendship between Indonesia and Malaysia as military officials from both sides engaged in pleasantries.
Also braving the scorching afternoon sun to take it all in were several hundred spectators – from curious locals passing by to members of Penang’s vast Indonesian community.
After the formal showcase, band members, guests and the public alike joined in a mass dance session, further reaffirming the shared ties and goodwill.
The band’s troupe leader M. Reza Pah Levi said it was the first time some of the members had visited Penang and they were impressed by George Town’s history and cityscape.
“It was an honour to perform here against the backdrop of such stately landmarks,” he said, referring to the colonial-era City Hall and Town Hall.
Their performance was part of the Asean-Plus Cadet Sail programme which had brought the Indonesian naval training ship KRI Bima Suci to Penang on a port call.
The two-month training voyage, which began earlier this month, combines operational training with courtesy visits to several countries to promote regional cooperation.
This came hot on the heels of the Asean Navies’ City Parade (ANCP) which was held in George Town for the first time in over 30 years.
It featured colourful performances by the region’s naval forces, as well as port calls by warships from 10 Asean countries at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
Malaysia’s KD Kedah, KD Lekiu and KD Lekir were present alongside Indonesia’s KRI Bung Tomo. Completing the line-up were Singapore’s RSS Vigour, Brunei’s KDB Darulaman, Myanmar’s UMS King Sin Phyu Shin, Thailand’s HTMS Krabi, Vietnam’s VPNS Quang Trung and the Philippines’ BRP Antonio Luna.
Some 40,000 visitors seized the opportunity to board and explore these normally off-limits combat vessels.
The ANCP was in turn part of a larger naval diplomacy programme – the 19th Asean Navy Chiefs’ Meeting which took place in Batu Feringghi on Aug 19 to discuss matters of regional security and stability.
