Celebrated the friendship between two nations by bringing together inspiring melodies that united cultures

The Gabalandhurra concert beautifully showcased the power of cultural diplomacy, bringing together two nations on a stage filled with meaning. Held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Soehanna Hall in Jakarta, the concert symbolized the strong friendship between Indonesia and Australia, not through diplomatic negotiations, but through melodies that touched the hearts of all who attended.

This unique event featured a cross-cultural collaboration. From Australia, the renowned Aboriginal musician Ngulmiya Nundhirribala, known for his powerful vocals in the Wubuy language of the Yolngu people from Arnhem Land in Northern Australia, performed alongside Indonesian classical composer and pianist Ananda Sukarlan, who is recognized internationally. The concert also included soprano singer Mariska Setiawan, adding her talent to the event.

Gabalandhurra was more than just a musical performance; it served as a cultural exchange that blended tradition with innovation. The collaboration was enriched by the musical contributions of Anthony Gray and Nayurryurr Nundhirribala, who brought the distinctive sounds of Australia to the stage. Additionally, the G20 String Quartet, led by Sukarlan, performed pieces that celebrated diversity and harmony.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the performance of Ananda Sukarlan’s new work, Bora Ring. Inspired by a poem by Judith Wright, Bora Ring is a continuation of his earlier composition, The Voyage to Marege. The piece fused contemporary classical techniques with traditional Aboriginal music, including the iconic didgeridoo, and illustrated the spiritual journey of the Bora ritual—a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood in Aboriginal culture.

Ngulmiya, who is also a recipient of the Northern Territory Australian of the Year award, performed a heartfelt song in Wubuy. His performance, along with Sukarlan and Mariska Setiawan, demonstrated the ability of music to transcend cultural and generational boundaries, offering a universal language of connection.

The event was attended by Australia’s Charge d’Affaires to Indonesia, Gita Kamath, who expressed her admiration for the collaboration, noting that it was a tribute to the long history between the two nations. She highlighted music’s universal ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, even in times of global uncertainty.

Also present was Giring Ganesha, Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, who shared his personal experience as a musician who had performed and recorded an album in Melbourne. He emphasized the role of music in bridging differences and promoting unity, especially in the context of complex geopolitical challenges.

Gabalandhurra was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of solidarity and a tribute to cultural heritage. The event proved that diversity can give rise to beautiful harmony. Through their voices and melodies, the musicians created a powerful emotional bridge between Indonesia and Australia, strengthening the bond between two cultures that are distinct yet united in mutual respect.