Mr. Andre Siregar on Sanggar Budaya Nusantara in Waco, Texas | Cultural Insights & Opportunities

Summary

In this interview, Myra and P. Andre Sagar discuss the inspiring vision behind SBN, a project focused on promoting Indonesian culture in the U.S. P. Andre shares his experiences, from the challenges of creating traditional Indonesian houses to the success of events like the Gala dinner in Texas. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the dedication of artists, consular support, and cultural performances in making the vision a reality. The conversation highlights SBN's journey, its future aspirations, and its role in bridging Indonesian and American cultural relations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Myra introduces P Andre Sagar for an interview about Sanger Bua, discussing the importance of cultural projects and their vision.
• 😀 P Andre Sagar highlights the rarity of having an Indonesian American with a big vision and shares how he jumped on board to support the cause.
• 😀 The mission behind Sanger Bua involves creating five Indonesian traditional houses across the US, a challenging but exciting goal.
• 😀 Although it's a tough mission, the team has persevered, and the first Gala dinner in Waco, Texas, was a huge success.
• 😀 The Gala dinner included a 3-hour drive from Houston to Waco and featured a memorable cultural event with Indonesian and Texan elements.
• 😀 Despite setbacks, the mission continues with events and activities aimed at promoting Indonesian culture, like dance performances and art showcases.
• 😀 The dedication of the community is evident, as many Indonesians and local supporters in Texas have rallied around the vision of Sanger Bua.
• 😀 The creation of the Sanger Bua headquarters, Wisma A, was a significant achievement, with the building transformed into a cultural space thanks to support from many Indonesian artists.
• 😀 P Andre Sagar mentions how the local community, Indonesian artists, and Consul Generals supported the launch of Wisma A, marking it as a monumental moment.
• 😀 The vision of Sanger Bua is now inspiring the creation of a branch in Indonesia, furthering cultural collaboration between Indonesia and the United States.
• 😀 P Andre Sagar encourages people to join the movement, emphasizing the value of participation in this exciting cultural journey.

Q & A

What was P. Andre Sagar's initial reaction to joining SBUA?

P. Andre was excited about the opportunity when he first joined SBUA in 2021. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, he believed in the vision and jumped on board, eager to see how it would develop and contribute to promoting Indonesian culture.

What is the long-term vision of SBUA, according to P. Andre Sagar?

The long-term vision of SBUA is to establish five traditional Indonesian houses across the U.S. This ambitious project aims to celebrate Indonesian culture and heritage and build cultural connections in major U.S. cities.

Why does P. Andre Sagar find the vision of creating Indonesian houses across the U.S. particularly inspiring?

P. Andre finds the vision inspiring because it’s rare for Asian Americans to have such a bold and grand vision. It requires courage and determination to pursue such an endeavor, and he believes that when it succeeds, it will be a remarkable achievement for both the Indonesian community and the broader cultural landscape.

What significant event did P. Andre Sagar mention as a key milestone for SBUA?

A significant milestone for SBUA was the first Gala dinner in Waco, Texas. It was a special event that gathered people from the local community and beyond, marking the beginning of SBUA's efforts to raise awareness and foster Indonesian culture in Texas.

What unique experience occurred during the first Gala dinner in Texas?

During the first Gala dinner in Waco, Buer, a key figure in SBUA, dressed in a Japanese outfit while speaking with a Texan accent. The event was a memorable and fun experience that showcased the fusion of cultures and the community's support for the Indonesian cause.

How does P. Andre Sagar feel about the cultural events SBUA has organized?

P. Andre is very proud of the cultural events that SBUA has organized, especially those involving local teams and community members. He mentions the involvement of Indonesian artists in dance and cultural performances as a vital aspect of SBUA’s success in promoting Indonesian culture.

What role did Wisma A play in the development of SBUA?

Wisma A served as the headquarters for SBUA. P. Andre recalls the dedication shown by Buer, who transformed his home into a cultural space that reflected Indonesian heritage. The launch of Wisma A was a monumental moment for the organization, symbolizing the support of both the local community and Indonesian artists.

How does P. Andre Sagar view the involvement of Indonesian consular officials in SBUA’s journey?

P. Andre appreciates the involvement of Indonesian consular officials, such as those from New York, Washington, and San Francisco, in supporting SBUA’s mission. Their presence at significant events like the Wisma A launch provided important validation and demonstrated a unified effort to promote Indonesian culture.

What is the future vision for SBUA's growth, according to P. Andre?

P. Andre envisions expanding SBUA’s reach, including the possibility of opening a branch in Indonesia. He also highlights the potential for collaboration with the U.S. embassy, as both countries explore ways to strengthen their cultural ties through initiatives like SBUA’s efforts.

Why does P. Andre Sagar encourage others to join SBUA’s journey?

P. Andre encourages others to join the journey because he believes that being part of SBUA’s mission will be a fulfilling and impactful experience. He assures that the efforts made today will lead to significant cultural milestones in the future, and everyone involved will play a role in making it happen.