SANGGAR BUDAYA NUSANTARA - Indonesian Cultural Center
Our Twofold Mission
First, to introduce Indonesia to non-Indonesians by providing information and creating greater awareness of the country, its people, culture, and the many opportunities it offers in business, education, tourism, and leisure.
Second, to educate and inspire future generations of the Indonesian diaspora to discover, understand, and remain connected to their cultural heritage through live performances, exhibitions, educational programs, and the presentation of traditional Indonesian arts, music, dance, customs, and traditions.
Together, these two missions form a cultural bridge: introducing Indonesia to America while keeping Indonesia alive in the hearts of future generations of Indonesian-Americans.
* We are seeking Partners, Sponsors , or Donors to make this vision a reality so as to provide future generations to their extra ordinary rich heritage.
Discover Indonesia
The Republic of Indonesia is one of the world's most populous nations and the largest archipelagic country on Earth. With more than 17,000 islands, hundreds of ethnic groups, and hundreds of local languages, Indonesia is a nation of extraordinary diversity.
From island to island, visitors encounter distinct traditions, cuisines, architecture, music, dance, clothing, beliefs, languages, and ways of life. Together, they form the colorful cultural mosaic known as Indonesia—united under the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which can be understood as “Though diverse, we are one,” and is more popularly expressed as “Unity in Diversity.”
The phrase Bhinneka Tunggal Ika has deep historical roots in Old Javanese literature. It originates from the 14th-century epic poem Kakawin Sutasoma, written by the renowned poet Mpu Tantular during the era of the Majapahit Empire. Centuries later, this enduring expression of unity amid differences was adopted as the national motto of the Republic of Indonesia—a principle that continues to reflect the extraordinary diversity of its people, cultures, traditions, languages, and beliefs.
Indonesia is also home to some of the world's most remarkable wildlife and natural wonders, including the Komodo dragon, orangutan, birds-of-paradise, and Rafflesia, famous for producing one of the world's largest individual flowers. Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia has more active volcanoes than any other country. Its volcanic landscape has contributed to fertile soils, lush tropical forests, spectacular mountains, and breathtaking scenery.
For centuries, Indonesia was also known throughout the world as the legendary Spice Islands. Nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and other valuable spices attracted traders and explorers from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, helping shape centuries of global commerce and cultural exchange. From ancient temples and royal palaces to tropical rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, traditional villages, and modern cities, Indonesia offers an extraordinary journey of discovery.
Open yourself to Indonesia.
- Explore its islands. - Experience its traditions. - Taste its cuisine. - Meet its people. - Discover its stories.
Most importantly, engage with us and learn why Indonesia is much more than a destination—it is an experience.
To discover more about Indonesia and its remarkable cultural heritage, connect with us at Sanggar Budaya Nusantara – Indonesian Cultural Center (SBN-ICC).
The establishment of the Indonesian Cultural Center is envisioned as a living cultural bridge between Indonesia and the United States—a place where Indonesia's rich heritage can be experienced through its distinctive traditional architecture, arts, traditions, and community programs, while simultaneously presenting Indonesia as a nation of extraordinary opportunities to learn, connect, invest, visit, and explore.
The Center is built around three strategic pillars: Education, Trade, and Tourism. These pillars are integrated throughout its facilities, exhibitions, programs, partnerships, and community activities.
Education
To provide opportunities for Americans and future generations of the Indonesian diaspora to discover Indonesia's history, languages, arts, music, dance, traditions, and cultural heritage through educational programs, workshops, exhibitions, performances, academic partnerships, and cultural exchanges.
Trade
To serve as a gateway for introducing Indonesian products, craftsmanship, businesses, and investment opportunities to the American community, while encouraging connections between entrepreneurs, businesses, institutions, and potential partners in Indonesia and the United States.
Tourism
To inspire Americans to discover Indonesia firsthand by showcasing its extraordinary destinations, natural beauty, cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and diverse regional experiences—encouraging visitors to move beyond the Center and ultimately experience Indonesia for themselves.
Together, Education, Trade, and Tourism transform the Indonesian Cultural Center from simply a place to observe Indonesian culture into a place to experience Indonesia, build relationships, discover opportunities, and create lasting connections between Indonesia and America.
The Indonesian Cultural Center