REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC) is an inspirational event that also helps strengthen relations among nations across the world.

This was said by the Deputy Assistant for Human Resources Development, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, Wisnu Tarunajaya, at the opening ceremony of the 14th IFLC in Jakarta on Saturday.

"Indonesia is home to more than 500 ethnic groups, with 700 mother languages. Various traditions, dances, music forms and life systems are united within the framework of Bhineka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity," he said.

Similarly, he added, the cultures and languages of all nations in the world are the basis for strengthening relations between nations and countries.

Meanwhile, the President of IFLC Indonesia, Didik J Rachbini, explained that culture is a medium for expressing the identity of a society and nation.

"Mutual respect and appreciation of the cultural values of every nation in the world will strengthen relationships and create a better human civilization now and in the future," he said.

The IFLC was first held in 2003 in Turkey. This international festival promotes languages and cultures of various nations and educates the younger generation to share these diversities in ensuring peace, sustaining good relations and reaching mutual understanding.

The IFLC has been held in various countries and 145 countries, as also more than 2000 school students, participated in it. They showcased the unique culture of each country, such as music, dance and other cultural attractions.

IFLC 2016 saw the participation of at least a hundred school students from South Africa, the United States, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, the Philippines, India, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Egypt, Serbia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

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