Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto promotesthe Indonesia Night Market (Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia), scheduled for November 15–16 at the capital’s Chaktomuk Walk Street. Supplied
As Indonesia and Cambodia celebrate their enduring friendship, the embassy of Indonesia in Phnom Penh is set to bring a taste of the archipelago to the heart of the capital through the Indonesia Night Market (Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia). Scheduled for November 15-16, at Chaktomuk Walk Street, the two-day cultural event will feature Indonesian cuisine, music and dance performances in a lively night market atmosphere.
Ahead of the celebrations, Santo Darmosumarto, Indonesian ambassador, sat down with The Post to discuss the inspiration behind the event, its role in promoting cultural diplomacy, and how it seeks to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
1. Could you share details about how the Indonesia Night Market is set up — such as how many booths, what activities, the overall theme or design and the exact location along Chaktomuk Walk Street?
The Indonesia Night Market (known as Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia in Khmer) will take place on November 15-16 at Chaktomuk Walk Street, in front of Wat Ounalom. This two-day event will feature 12 booths offering a wide variety of Indonesian culinary delights and products.
Visitors can enjoy traditional Indonesian dance and music performances, as well as Dangdut, a popular Indonesian music genre, and a unique fusion of Indonesian and Khmer music performed by an Indonesian DJ. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in fun games and win exciting prizes featuring Indonesian products.
2. What is the main objective of organising the Indonesia Night Market in Phnom Penh, and how does it reflect Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy efforts in Cambodia?
By embracing the concept of a night market — a vibrant gathering place where people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures come together to spend time and share joy with their loved ones — the Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia aims to bring Indonesia closer to the Cambodian people. What better way to connect than by sharing the richness of Indonesian culture through music, dance and food, experiences that everyone can enjoy together?
The event will be held at the popular Chaktomuk Walk Street over the weekend, a location that attracts large crowds. Hosting the Indonesia Night Market here is expected to increase the event’s visibility, introducing more people to Indonesian culture while also supporting the Cambodian government in enhancing the Walk Street as a tourist attraction.
3. How does this event contribute to strengthening people-to-people ties and cultural understanding between Indonesia and Cambodia?
The Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia is part of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy in Cambodia. Events like this serve as a bridge for mutual understanding, fostering stronger people-to-people connections. By experiencing Indonesian music, dance and food, visitors hopefully will gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and help cultivate positive perceptions about Indonesia.
4. Besides promoting culture, are there plans to use the Indonesia Night Market as a platform to boost tourism or trade between the two countries?
In Indonesia, there is a proverb: “Tak kenal maka tak sayang”, which means “How can you love something you don’t know?” By sharing Indonesian culture through this event, we hope more Cambodian people will get to know Indonesia, inspiring them to visit the country and explore Indonesian products. Ultimately, cultural exchange at the Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia opens the door to greater opportunities for promoting tourism and enhancing trade between our nations.
5. What message would you like Cambodian visitors to take away from experiencing Indonesian food, music and culture during this event?
The close ties between Indonesia and Cambodia go beyond what many may realise. Often, Cambodians may not even recognise that they are already enjoying elements of Indonesian culture — whether savouring Nasi Goreng while listening to Bengawan Solo or enjoying a plate of Indomie to the rhythm of Dangdut music. Indonesian culture has long been present in Cambodia, quietly embraced and enjoyed.
The embassy has also noticed a rising interest among Cambodian youth in learning the Indonesian language, highlighting how Indonesia is becoming increasingly appealing to the younger generation.
Through Phsaar Reatrei Indonesia, we hope to share not only the flavours and rhythms of Indonesia but also the spirit of harmony that unites our two nations. May this event will foster friendship, cultural exchange and mutual respect, creating opportunities to further strengthen the bond between our peoples.
