In a bid to promote tourism and foster cultural connections, the Nepal–Indonesia Cultural Exchange Program was organized recently. Spearheaded by Mingma Dorje Sherpa, the event was hosted by The Last Frontiers Trekking Company in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and AMS Music and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The program took place on Sunday night, featuring vibrant cultural performances by artists from Nepal and Indonesia.
A 13-member team from Indonesia’s Gentra Lestari Budaya Foundation arrived in Nepal several days before the event. Mingma Dorje Sherpa, the founder and managing director of the organizing company, highlighted the program’s role in enhancing cultural understanding and tourism development between the two countries. “This cultural exchange program has provided an opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures. In the future, we can collaborate to strengthen tourism in both countries. We aim to attract over 2 million Buddhist devotees from Indonesia to Nepal,” Sherpa remarked.
Ratna Devi Kartika, a lead singer and prominent member of the Gentra Lestari Budaya Foundation, captivated the audience with traditional Indonesian folk songs and pop music. Speaking about the foundation, she shared, “With over 10,000 members across 38 provinces in Indonesia, our mission is to promote Indonesian art and culture. I am thrilled to visit Nepal for this cultural and tourism exchange.”
The Indonesian team included notable performers such as Latissya Chanzy Bardel Steyas, Sayifa Nurul Azura, and Digikra Aurelia Detriani, who delivered stellar performances. On Nepal’s side, renowned artists Devika Bandana, Rajesh Maharjan, and Khusi Kulung Rai presented soulful songs, while Kamal Rai’s dance troupe performed traditional Nepali folk dances.
The event also witnessed the participation of Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, along with Indian astrologer Atlanta Kashyap, tourism entrepreneurs, and artists.
This exchange program not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and Indonesia but also paved the way for collaborative efforts in tourism promotion, aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations.