Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

MAHASUARA: A Fusion of Dangdut Koplo and Bollywood

Raj Balani and his Indonesian wife Ana who is a singer – Melbourne, 2026. Photo courtesy: Raj Balani.

Raj Balani and his Indonesian wife Ana who is a singer – Melbourne, 2026. Photo courtesy: Raj Balani.

This isn't the first time PERWIRA (Indonesian Association of Victoria) has hosted a multicultural event like Mahasuara, which took place on May 2, 2026, at Prahran Square in Melbourne. This time, PERWIRA featured the much-loved Indonesian Dangdut music and the popular Indian Bollywood music.


As Raj Balani from the Indian community in Melbourne noted, there are similarities between Indonesian music, particularly Dangdut, and Indian music. He gave the example of the Indian percussion instrument, the tabla, which sounds similar to the Indonesian drum, gendang.

Meanwhile, Diana Razak explained the types of Indonesian cuisine available at Mahasuara. She believes that for Indonesians, no gathering is complete without a meal to share.

Hosting Mahasuara is one way PERWIRA contributes to social cohesion and multiculturalism in Australia.

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 3 pm.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to our podcasts.

Share

Follow SBS Indonesian

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS Indonesian News

Watch it onDemand

Watch now