With over five hundred ethnic groups and seven hundred and thirty-one languages spoken there, it is virtually impossible to completely capture the true essence of Indonesia in one singular event but Middfest International Festival will give visitors more than just a taste of what life is like on this vast archipelago.

Middfest International Festival is held by Middfest International Foundation,

a non profit organization funded by the US government, corporation and individual. 250 volunteers supported the activities. The 2009 celebration is supported by Republic Indonesia Consulate General in Chicago and ITPC - Indonesian Trade Promotion Center, Chicago, USA in celebrating Celebrate Indonesia. ITPC Chicago acts as a coordinator for the exhibition and trade mission.

 

The Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Sudjadman Panohadiningrat did the opening of Indonesia festival. The performers were Cindai group (a dance and music troupe) from North Sumatra, which is composed, of 30 members from the eight primary ethnic groups in Sumatra, dance group from Indonesian Consulate in Chicago. The performers also include acts from several other countries such as Jabali African Acrobats from Kenya, Rogerio Berbeki Figueindo from Brazil, India and Russia. Other interesting performing are Shadow Puppet, Kebaya and traditional customs fashion show (organized by Ria Ellison).

There is also photography exhibition by Mario Blanco from Bali. Mario is the son of Antonio Blanco, the famous painter from Bali. The Exhibition of Indonesian kids quilting by Eva. Eva is an Indonesian artist who lives in Canada. Indonesia festival will not complete with out Indonesian food . Miss. Yuli and her friends from Columbus Ohio will make sate ayam, gado-gado boplo, es cendol, pisang goreng, and etcetera.