Worten (centre, in red) flanked by Tan (on her right) and Suraya together with AIP members at the cultural charity event. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
The rhythms of West Java came alive in Penang as Artisans International Penang (AIP) and Komunitas Pencinta Budaya Indonesia (Community of Indonesian Culture Lovers) hosted a vibrant cultural charity event celebrating Sundanese heritage.
Held at a restaurant in George Town, the event drew 50 guests and featured traditional music, dance, food and textile arts in support of two local children’s charities.
The afternoon began with graceful dance performances by Ika King and Rika, accompanied by nostalgic and heartfelt Indonesian songs performed by Icha Khania Mulya Jannati and Dottie.
The spotlight then turned on a Sunda batik showcase, where members modelled intricate hand-drawn textiles inspired by nature, forests and rivers –motifs central to Sundanese identity.
Batik expert Ratna Handayani from Bogor, Indonesia, shared insights into the meanings behind the patterns, highlighting how each motif carried deep cultural memory.
Difa (left) teaching AIP members how to play the angklung.
The batik collection featured was from the private collections of Andira Landreth and Henry (Evy) Susanti, inherited from their mothers and dating from the 1950s to 1990s.
Later, the audience was introduced to the angklung, a bamboo instrument native to West Java.
Under the guidance of Indonesian student Difa Hafizh from Al Bukhari International University in Alor Setar, Kedah, guests experienced the instrument’s unique sound.
The highlight of the day was the communal Nasi Liwet feast, served on banana leaves and featuring rice, fried chicken, fish, prawns, vegetables and sambal.
Though the tradition originated in East Java, the Liwetan (commuunal feast) carried a Sundanese soul, reflecting the spirit of “silih asah, silih asih, silih asuh”, meaning learning, caring and guiding one another.
As a sweet finale, Chef Made prepared Karedok, a raw vegetable salad in peanut sauce.
AIP members enjoying the Sunda batik showcase during the charity event.
Guests watched the preparation before enjoying its fresh crunch and earthy flavour, typical of West Java’s culinary tradition.
The event closed with Pileuleuyan, a traditional farewell song led by Icha, followed by the Tabole Bale dance, with guests joining in the celebration of shared culture and friendship.
“We are honoured to bring the richness of Sundanese culture to Penang, while giving back to the community,” said AIP founder Suraya Ibrahim, noting proceeds would support the Children’s Protection Society and Agape Welfare Home.
Also present was the Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, Consul-General of Indonesia in Penang Wanton Saragih’s wife Sintha Worten and Penang’s Honorary Consul of Brazil Datuk Annie Chin.
