Pasar Malam Besar

The ‘Pasar Malam Besar’ is the largest festival in the world for Indo (European-Indonesian) culture, held annually in The Netherlands. Established in 1959 it is one of the oldest festivals and the fourth largest grand fair in The Netherlands. It is also the annual event with the highest number of paying visitors of the Dutch city of The Hague, having consistently attracted more than 100,000 visitors since 1993. The name ‘Pasar Malam Besar’ is derived from the Indonesian/Malay language and literally means ‘Great Night Market’.

Every summer the ‘Pasar Malam Besar’ is raised on its dedicated fairground, called the ‘Malieveld’, close to the central train station of The Hague. 22.000 m² of festival terrain and many, mostly Indo, volunteers will facilitate visitors from both the Netherlands and abroad. The festival hosts three popular food courts, a culinary theatre, many large to medium stages for performance art, workshop areas, areas for lecture and interviews, market areas, as well as specific fair areas for trading merchandise.

Mission

The main mission of this unique Eurasian event is to celebrate, preserve and develop Indo culture at large and herewith serves the historical purpose of major festivals anywhere. In meeting its specific social needs and duties, as well as providing entertainment, it offers the Indo community a sense of belonging and unity. In its capacity of cultural platform and forum it informs community members of their roots and traditions, transferring knowledge and skills to next generations.

History

In defiance of government pressure to assimilate into Dutch society, a group of outspoken and independent Indos, organized in the so called ‘Indies Cultural Circle’, assembled around famous Indo intellectual Tjalie Robinson. One of their accomplishments was the founding of the ‘Pasar Malam Besar’ in 1959. Its continued success in attracting visitors of all generations and presenting a diverse and progressive programme, while preserving the centuries old cultural ties with the Indonesian Archipelago has gone beyond their expectations. In 2003 HM Queen Beatrix herself officially opened the 45th ‘Pasar Malam Besar’.

Programme

Music and dance

Two specific forms of Indo music usually take center stage. Kroncong (Dutch: Krontjong) which is an age old music form, with roots in Portuguese Fado music, that developed in Indo communities around Batavia (Now Jakarta). Classic Kroncong orchestras can still be found in both The Netherlands and Indonesia. The other typical music form is called Indorock. [ [http://www.cliparound.com/video/FALutagdHNw/The-Tielman-Brothers--Black-Eyes-(live-1960) Live video footage - Indorock performance] ] It combines flamboyant showmanship and musical virtuoso, based on the American Rock and Roll idiom and has been played by Indo bands ever since the early fifties. With the participation of 3th and 4th generation Indos, also DJ’s, Hiphoppers and urban live bands are taking their brand of Indo music to the stage at the ‘Pasar Malam Besar’.

Food and beverage

The multi faceted Indo cuisine (Dutch: "Indische keuken") is considered one of the first fusion kitchens in the world and is heavily based on the kitchens of many different Indonesian areas. The classic ‘Ricetable’ (Dutch: Rijsttafel) is a prime example of a Eurasian culinary concept that wasn’t prevalent in pre-colonial Indonesia. The food courts present a wide range of traditional Indonesian and Asian dishes. The culinary theatre allows visitors to share and discuss recipes and make and taste dishes. The market stalls sell fresh Asian fruit such as Durian or Manggis and snacks such as Martabak or Pisang Goreng. The abundance of food on offer attracts many visitors.

Merchandise and culture

A large section of the ‘Pasar Malam Besar’ is reserved for amongst others Indonesian businesses selling their merchandise which includes antiques, Yogya or Bali silver, furniture, batiks, wood carvings and much more. But next to the above mentioned eye catchers the ‘Pasar Malam Besar’ also offers workshops and master classes in the arts and lecture on amongst others literature, architecture and cultural research. Notable also are the comprehensive cultural delegations from specific areas in Indonesia that are invited to participate.

References

[http://www.pasarmalambesar.nl/ Official Pasar Malam Besar Website]

Notes