The haunting, deep timbre of a gamelan accompanied Indonesian independence day celebrations in Ballarat on Saturday.
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Indonesian communities from both Ballarat and Bendigo gathered at Church of Christ on Gillies Street in Alfredton along with their families to mark 74 years since the nation declared its independence from the Dutch in 1945.
It is the first time that Indonesian groups from the two cities have joined forces for the day, with the Ballarat Regional Indonesian Community (BRIC) and Bendigo Australia Indonesia Klub (BAIK) both at the event.
The Indonesian Consul General Spica Alphanya Tutuhatunewa for Victoria and Tasmania and the City of Ballarat's Mayor Samantha McIntosh attended the occasion. Both gave speeches. They were followed by a recital of the proclamation of independence in Indonesian and English as well as a history of the Indonesian independence movement as the nation sought to cut ties with the Dutch.
The ribbon was also cut for the first outing of a renovated gamelan, described an ancient Indonesian musical instrument with a rich history.
It is in the process of being restored with funds from a City of Ballarat Community Impact Grant, with the Sebastopol Men's Club helping with the work, along with Ballarat woodworker's Guild and paints from Crowies.
The independence day event was the first time the gamelan, which still has several sections that are yet to be restored, has been played in public since the percussion instrument was given to the Indonesian community a couple of years ago.
Musicians were able to give a demonstration of its sound while guests tucked into a wide range of Indonesian dishes.
BRIC president Linda Craggs described the event as "a very special moment" to The Courier.
"We have to remember all the [independence] heroes. The day has been really touching, and I think everyone has enjoyed it."
Cr McIntosh said it was a privilege to be part of the celebrations for "one of the most fascinating and diverse nations in the world."