(AGENPARL) - Roma, 5 Maggio 2024 - In the prestigious Sale Nobili of Orsini Castle, today, Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m., the photo exhibition “A Journey between Italy and Indonesia” came to life. Organized with the intention of narrating the fusion of the two cultures of Italy and Indonesia through the keen eye of fourteen streetphotographers, the exhibition offers a fascinating and timeless journey.

The exhibition, curated by Stefano Romano and organized by Raquel Poliandri in collaboration with “Lambang Sora,” aims to tell the story of an intense fourteen thousand kilometer-long journey from the heart of Rome to the lands of Tasikmalaya in Java Province. Through the lenses of Alita Spano, Cecep Abdul Aziz, Dadi Surtiana, Fabio Renzi, Firman Maulana, Cian Marco Venturi, Lulu Azmi, Morsa Sambas, Sandro Luciani, Stefano Mirabella, Stefano Romano, Syabik, Panji Jarmiko and Umberto Tati, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in an unprecedented visual and emotional journey until 6 p.m.

The initiative, sponsored by the City of Fiano Romano (Rm), is part of a broad plan to promote cultural and tourist activities, with the aim of fostering intercultural exchange and enhancing the rich historical heritage of the City of Fiano. An initiative that, in addition to celebrating art and photography, aims to strengthen ties between communities and promote mutual understanding between different cultures.

The opening of the exhibition was attended by local civil authorities and representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, testifying to the value and importance of this initiative in promoting cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

As the pictures testify, those present had the opportunity to delight their palates with a selection of typical Indonesian dishes.

Speech by the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Italy, Lefianna Hartati Ferdinandus

«Good morning, to all of you
In particular to the Mayor of Fiano Romano
Dr. Davide Santonastaso and his staff.
To the photographer. Mr. Stefano Romano and his team.
Vudu Abdul Rahman and the team of community education and literacy workers.

It is an honor for me to be present with all of you at the second Street Photography Exhibition, which I believe will offer interesting insights into the realities of Tasikmalaya in Indonesia and Rome in Italy. I thank you for the invitation extended to us.

I appreciate the initiative to organize this event, which also serves to promote Indonesia in Italy today through the street photography works on display. It is not only a form of promotion, but this activity is a tangible manifestation of the good intercultural and inter-national cooperation between Indonesia and Italy. The interaction between the two countries is a concrete result of the path of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Italy, which turns seventy-five years old in 2024.

On this occasion, we will see the spirit of collaboration between the street photography communities of two beautiful and historic cities, Tasikmalaya and Rome. Through this exhibition, we will explore the uniqueness of the two cities from cultural, social, and tourism perspectives. Both cities have their own identity, character and living landscape; however, we are not here to make a comparison, but to appreciate the results of international cooperation and national interaction between Indonesian and Italian photographers with the aim of raising awareness of these two cities.

Tasikmalaya is a regency located in West Java Province. The city has a history of pioneering craft industry in the Nineteenth (19th) century or during the Dutch East Indies era. With a population of about six hundred thousand (600,000) people, Tasikmalaya strives to preserve its language, literature, art and cultural heritage. Like other Indonesian cities, Tasikmalaya is currently growing rapidly and offers a wide variety of culinary tours and entertainment and leisure venues.

In general, Indonesia is a country rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, which is why our country’s motto is “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika or Unity in Diversity.” Today I invite you to visit other beautiful Indonesian cities that are part of the 9 UNESCO-recognized tourist attractions, including Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta and Komodo National Park in eastern Nusa Tenggara. In addition, Indonesia boasts 13 UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritages, including Batik clothing, Gamelan and traditional Balinese dances.

We are delighted to see talented Indonesian and Italian photographers capturing the lens of life in the cities of Tasikmalaya and Rome, whose works we can admire along with today’s exhibition. This shows that art and culture have a great influence in bridging countries and between cultures this increases mutual respect, tolerance and contact between people.

We wish for further opportunities for cooperation between Italy and Indonesia. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Rome will warmly welcome cross-cultural cooperation and collaboration to strengthen communication and friendship between the two countries.

Finally, let me express my appreciation and gratitude to the Municipality of Fiano Romano and the invited guests here.

Enjoy and Thank You to everyone.»