Indonesian Music Via Bali to the World

(11/6/2011)

The originator of the idea for the Indonesia Music Expo 2011 (Imex), Franki Raden, told a press conference in Bali on Friday, November 4, 2011, that Imex is intended to serve as an inspiration for traditional musicians to help them express themselves in the challenging international music market.

“At this point in time, Indonesian music, especially traditional ethnic music, is known internationally, but few from this sector have managed to penetrate the international market,” explained Raden. Raden is proud that his country Indonesia has a rich variety of music and cultures, with each area of Indonesia possesing a distinctive style of music.

“The richness of Indonesian music, from Sabang to Merauke, if counted for its varieties is equal to Africa, Latin America and Europe. For this reason, Imex wants to give the widest opportunity to our musical heroes to win the hearts of the international music buyers,” said Raden.

Franki Raden is a nationally known music critic. He is also planning to publish a guide to Indonesian music for international distribution.

The Imex event at Nusa Dua will present more than 40 musical groups, including the Toba Ensemble (Sumatra), Kulintang (Sulawesi), Gambang Kromong (Jakarta), Sambasunda (Bandung, West Java) and Rindik (Bali). International musicians expected to perform, include TLJ Alliance (U.S.A.), Hunny Madu (Malaysia), and Jack Lee & SKY (Korea).

During the series of performance each evening November 7-14 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m., an exhibition of musical instruments and musical workshops will be simultaneously held.

Kompas.com reports that international musical icon, Quincy Jones, is expected to visit Bali on November 20, 2011, to attend Imex. Jones, an accomplished musician in his own right, has produced million-selling records for a number of musical greats including Michael Jackson. Raden told the press that Jones will come to Indonesia to explore the wide Indonesian musical spectrum.