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The Keepers: CNN Introduces Guardians of Indonesia’s Rich Cultural Traditions

 

Famous for their international news feeds and coverage, the global television station and media, Cable News Network (CNN) recently launched a unique program entitled ‘The Keepers” which highlights the richness of Indonesia’s traditional culture kept alive in the age of modernization.

The Keepers: CNN Introduces Guardians of Indonesia’s Rich Cultural Traditions

In the trailer posted at CNN Website http://edition.cnn.com the Keepers takes the audience on a special journey exploring the diverse cultural wonders of the  Indonesian islands meeting  special personalities who  play a vital role in guarding those cultural traditions. The trailer opens with the amazing view of the Prambanan Temple and the epic Ramayana dance-drama, and continues with the art of Batik, the wayang kulit shadow play now brought by a woman master storyteller, as well as other cultural masterpieces of the archipelago.

The Keepers which is a Celebration of Indonesia series was created as a result of the cooperation between CNN International and the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia in connection with the placement of 30 seconds Wonderful Indonesia Video ads which will be ongoing until December 2017.

The Keepers: CNN Introduces Guardians of Indonesia’s Rich Cultural Traditions

The series consists of 12 digital videos and will be released in two parts containing six video each.
The show that portrays the mesmerizing wonder of Indonesian culture was first broadcasted on Wednesday 31st May 2017 at 16.30 and 23.30 West Indonesia Time. The program was also aired internationally in Hongkong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, and Taipei on Saturday 3rdJune 2017 at 09.00 and 18.00 West Indonesia Time and Sunday, 4th June 2017 at 12.30 West Indonesia Time. More reruns are expected to be shown in the coming weeks.

Highlights of the 30-minute special include:The Puppet Master, Batik Saga, All about Sambal, and The Ramayana. The Puppet Master unveils the story of a Dalang or the Puppet Master in the art of Javanese Wayang Kulit or leather puppet. A role traditionally reserved for adult males, has recently included a number of young girls who have taken on this difficult role, and have become favorites with audiences in Java.

The Keepers: CNN Introduces Guardians of Indonesia’s Rich Cultural Traditions
Photo source : www.malangupdate.com

In the Batik Saga, the spotlight turns to the late haute couture designer Iwan Tirta whose name has become synonymous with exclusive batik designs. He is credited with starting the revival of the intricately designed fabric and has founded the popular brand Iwan Tirta Private Collection. Since Tirta's death in 2010, fashion designer Era Soekamto has led the brand's creative team. The show looks at how Soekamto keeps people interested in learning this meticulous craft.

For those who enjoy Indonesian distinct cuisine, Sambal is definitely not a stranger. Still, the recipe for this hot sauce varies by region: it can be sweet, salty or sour - but it's definitely always spicy! The Ubud Food Festival in Bali is making all efforts to raise the profile of Indonesian food on the world stage. This year, it will include a sambal cook-off.  On All about Sambal, CNN meets chefs Jon Priadi and Janet DeNeefe to de-mystify the delicious sambal and diverse Indonesian cuisine.

The Keepers: CNN Introduces Guardians of Indonesia’s Rich Cultural Traditions
Photo source : www.tunjungnesta.wordpress.com

Featuring the magnificent Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta as the perfect background, the Ramayana Ballet is a truly a spectacular performance. The Ramayana is an ancient Hindu epic poem that has inspired many artistic expressions across Asia, from paintings to dance.

The Prambanan Temple itself features carvings that tell this legendary story. In the program The Ramayana, the Director of the Prambanan Temple dance-drama explains the characters in this epic drama before staging a beautiful moonlit performance on a huge stage with the Prambanan temple complex lit by the full moon as magical backdrop.

 

Photo source of header banner : www.imgrum.org

 

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