Wepoc Music Indonesia on Friday (9 September) held a grand launch of “Cafe Dangdut” in Times Square, New York. The event coincided with Indonesian cultural event Indopop Movement. The move is seen as a way to introduce dangdut, an Indonesian dance and folk music, to the world.

Initiated by young Indonesian talents, Cafe Dangdut will be a place where Indonesian SMEs and creative industry players can market their products. 

"Both Indopop Movement and Cafe Dangdut are our efforts in promoting Indonesian dangdut music and Indonesian coffee in the US. With this, we also facilitate Indonesian artists to pursue their career in the US music scene through collaboration with prominent US labels,” said Indonesian Consul General in New York Arifi Saiman.

The launching event began with a Balinese gamelan dance and music performed by the DWP of the Indonesian Consulate General in New York. Indonesian designers also got the chance to organise a fashion show at the event. 

Hengki Kawilarang, Sally Giovanny (Batik Trusmi) and Coreta Louise showcased their batik pieces worn by Indonesian models. Wedding dress designers Ernia Redberry and Indah Aini also took part in the fashion show, presenting traditional wedding dresses from Java and Bali. 

Singer Fitri Carlina performed several songs, from “Indonesia Pusaka” to modernised dangdut songs, in collaboration with DJ CNM (Kalista), including her hit songs “ABG Tua” and “Kopi Dangdut”. She also collaborated with Asian-American singer Eskoh to perform his song “Only One”. 

"This is a historic moment because for the first time ever, Indonesian dangdut music echoed in Times Square," Arifi added. This is considered as the second Asian act in Times Square after BTS back in 2019 for the New Year’s Eve event.