A night of vibrant rhythms and shared heritage unfolded and celebrated unity through the universal language of music

The Embassy of Mexico in Indonesia hosted the celebration of the 215th Mexican National Day on Monday evening, September 15, 2025, in Jakarta. The event attracted attention not only for its official diplomatic significance but also for strengthening cultural ties between the two countries through a concert that brought together Mexican and Indonesian artists.

In his address, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Mexico in Indonesia, Alonso Martin Gomez Favila, highlighted that Mexico and Indonesia continuously seek new opportunities to expand cooperation across various fields. He emphasized that the National Day celebration was more than a reflection of his country’s independence struggle; it was also a symbol of the growing friendship that unites the two nations across the oceans.

Favila noted the shared historical experiences of Mexico and Indonesia in their fight against colonialism. He explained that these common struggles have formed a foundation for enduring and resilient bilateral relations. “Mexico and Indonesia have similar experiences, as Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, once described the bond that has allowed our bilateral relations to endure,” he said.

A key highlight of the evening was the concert, which served as a vivid example of cultural diplomacy. The performance featured Mexican pianist Bruno Iturria Abrego alongside Indonesian soprano Jessica Januar and baritone Wirawan Cuanda. Together, they presented a selection of classical works that showcased the cultural richness of both nations.

From Mexico, audiences enjoyed iconic pieces such as “Besame Mucho” by Consuela Velazquez and “Over the Waves” by Juventino Rosas. From Indonesia, the performance included “Kisah Mawar di Malam Hari” by Mochtar Embut. The repertoire from both countries created a warm and memorable atmosphere of cross-cultural harmony.

Music as cultural diplomacy proved to be an effective way of deepening international connections. With its universal language, music bridges people from diverse backgrounds on an emotional level, transcending political and economic boundaries. “This concert reflects the friendship and shared love for music between our two countries,” affirmed Favila.

The 215th Mexican National Day celebration in Jakarta demonstrated that bilateral relations are built not only through formal diplomacy but also through cultural closeness. The occasion reaffirmed that the friendship between Mexico and Indonesia continues to thrive, deeply rooted in history while opening new opportunities for collaboration in the future.