Dance Exchange as a Vehicle of Cultural Diplomacy: A Case Study of Ramayana Joint Performances of Thailand’s Khon and Indonesia’s Sendratari

Abstract

The implementation of culture as a tool of diplomatic soft power gave birth to the term cultural diplomacy. Culture is recognized as a source of soft power projection, and Thailand and Indonesia’s governments have been promoting culture in enhancing their nations’ image to the world. This study is based on the significance of soft power through the Ramayana epic as a well-known literature of Asia. It is a root of diverse forms of cultural expressions in Thailand and Indonesia which manifest as both a shared heritage and a distinctive identity. This study therefore centers on dance exchange as a vital feature of cultural diplomacy, focusing on Ramayana Joint Performances of Thailand’s Khon and Indonesia’s Sendratari. Khon and Sendratari are prominent artforms of Thai and Indonesian dance drama where the Ramayana epic is the core story of both dances. This research is aimed to provide a better understanding of how the Ramayana Joint Performance of Khon and Sendratari contribute to cultural diplomacy processes and outcomes, and deliver a clearer insight on the role they play in facilitating intercultural dialogue for cross-cultural understanding. This study finds that the Ramayana Joint Performances act as a form of dance exchange, signifying a common space for an interactive intercultural dialogue in transmitting cultural values and upholding interaction between artists, Thai/Indonesian officials and audience members through artistic expressions. It results in fostering long lasting friendships and mutual understandings between Thailand and Indonesia.