REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Classical Gamelan by young artists of Sleman collaborated with musicians of modern music played by Japan in Borobudur, Indonesia. Although involving the music players with different cultural backgrounds, cultural projects initiated for documentary-style entertainment program of We Are Asia has become even more exciting.

It was submitted by Tri Kuncoro, Coordinator of Cultural Center Minomartani, Sleman, Yogyakarta. He was someone who arranges music, train, and assist approximately 14 gamelan players of dozen years that during the process of collaboration with Japanese musicians.

"We all learn from each other, let alone friends from Japan are very good, cooperative, polite, and open for discussion," said Kuncoro.

Japanese artists he has in mind include Dean Fujioka and rock band WEAVER. Besides them, actor Shuhei Nomura and Siro-A dance group also collaborated in multicultural project that took place in Japan, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.

Kuncoro explained, cultural differences and language gestures of their Japanese comrade are considered very attractive by young musicians. Although different, the communication between the two countries has not constrained the artists as they were facilitated by the translator.

Instead, he said, all these differences are no longer felt after both teams started playing music. Kuncoro said similar music is a universal language that can bridge the language and cultural differences.

"For example, when a rehearsal at Borobudur no tone should be lowered. In language it is difficult to convey this, but once the familiar sounds are made it become so easy to understand," he said.

Collaboration has become part of the five episodes We Are Asia: Dean Fujioka and Friends in Asian entertainment channel GEM. In addition to airing it on Indonesia every Sunday evening, the program also can be seen in many Asian countries.

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