The Indonesian diaspora community in Qatar has held a festival in Al Khor city to promote tourism to the archipelago.

As reported by Antara news agency, the Indonesian Embassy’s minister counselor in Doha, Boy Dharmawan, said the Indonesian Festival, which began on Nov. 22, served as a countdown to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and as a commemoration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In cooperation with the Indonesian Society Association in Qatar (Permiqa), the Indonesian community held friendly volleyball and basketball tournaments, combined with showcasing traditional Indonesian dances and cuisine to local residents.

Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Basri Sidehabi expressed his joy to the audience for their enthusiasm and participation in the festival, which he said was “an effective promotion of Indonesian culture.”

(Read also: Understanding Indonesia through literary festivals)

The Indonesian Festival has received wide media coverage in Qatar, such as from Gulf Times, Gulf Tribune and The Peninsula. 

Said Malawi, an Indonesian diaspora figure who works at liquefied natural gas company Qatargas, said 15,000 expatriates from 50 countries worked in the oil and gas field of Ras Lafa, with the majority living in the Al Khor community complex.

Said, who has lived in Qatar for 20 years, said the community had reached 1500, making it the largest Indonesian community in the world. (mra/kes)

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