If one had to conjure up an ideal summer picnic, the 2026 Anglo-Indonesian Society event would probably come close. The weather was warm and sunny, the setting was immaculate, the entertainment was richly varied, the food was delicious and plentiful, and most importantly, people enjoyed themselves
The organiers estimated 120 people attended, but the joyous atmosphere felt like there were many more
The Javanese Gamelan group Siswa Sukra anchored the musical entertainment with classical pieces such as Asmaradhana, and effortlessly swapped their instruments to play keroncong with Bu Dona and Pak Desra. “It’s such a musical embassy,” I heard someone say. The embassy also provided many of the personnel of the angklung group that performed.
The audience responded warmly to the dance performances by Lila Bhawa, a long-time friend of the society, and from the KIBI group whose members came all the way from North West England and Wales. Lila Bhawa performed Kembang Janger from Bali; KIBI performed a Bugis dance, Mappadendang, and Rantak from West Sumatra. The pencak silat demonstration showed artistry and martial elements, and came with an invitation from Pencak Silat Federation UK for the audience to take up the sport.
For the first time at an AIS summer picnic there was a congklak demonstration by the newly-formed Congklak Social Club. Chef Adi Mehanda showed the audience how to make rujak Jakarta and Asinan Juhi, while Dewi Parrag from BRUUK coffee expertly showed the different flavour profiles of beans from places such as Tanah Gayo, Temanggung, and Flores.
A huge thank you to Pak Desra and all of the staff of the Indonesian Embassy for their continued support for the society and to council members who volunteered their time to make the picnic a success.
A former society vice-chair said this year’s picnic was “one of the best” she had attended in 42 years of being a member. Let’s hope we can rise to even greater heights next year.
And for those of you on Instagram,we are @angloindonesian . You can enjoy some great videos of some of the highlights