(Nusa Dua, November 16, 2022)
- President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo hosted a gala dinner for leaders of the G20 countries, international organizations, and other invitees at Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), Badung Regency, Bali Province, on Tuesday (15/11/2022). This banquet took place as a part of the G20 Summit activities in Bali.
The President and First Lady Iriana looked harmonious while wearing traditional Balinese clothes and arrived at GWK around 7:00 p.m. local time. They then welcomed the guests and took a group photo with them one after another with the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue as the background.
The President, as the host, expressed his appreciation for the G20 country and international institution leaders who were present at GWK. "Leaders of the G20 countries, invitees, international organizations [representatives], ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to Garuda Wisnu Kencana," said the President in his remarks before starting the dinner.
The President also took the time to explain the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue's philosophy to the guests. According to the President, it is in line with their duties towards the world and humanity.
"In Balinese mythology, this statue depicts love, responsibility, courage, and devotion. This is our duty to the world and humanity," said the President.
President Jokowi then invited them to have the dishes that had been prepared and hoped that they would like them. "Please enjoy the dish we have prepared for you. I hope it is not too spicy for Your Excellencies," said the President.
The host served various foods from various regions: Bali, Java, North Sulawesi, Lampung, West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh. As an appetizer, the G20 leaders enjoyed the "Aneka Ratna Mutumanikam" (diversity in one) dish consisting of mangoes, seaweed, salad with Balinese hot sauce seasoning, and Manado crab meat corn cakes.
Meanwhile, for the main course, the invitees were served with, among others, Wagyu beef tenderloin typical of Lampung, rendang-a Padang specialty, cassava, and potato mousseline, asparagus in Balinese turmeric sauce, and balado eggplant puree. As for the dessert menu, the invitees enjoyed Acehnese chocolate mousse, tuille rice, black glutinous rice with grated coconut, and mango coulis.
After dinner, the heads of delegations and guests enjoyed various cultural performances. More than 200 dancers performed attractions depicting the richness and diversity of Indonesia's cultural heritage.
The performance, having the same theme as the G20 Indonesia theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger", consisted of four rounds depicting the difficult situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Behind these difficulties, substantial opportunities existed to grow stronger and remain optimistic. The cultural appearance also reminded all parties to start working together, living in harmony, and spreading happiness.
