Inp.polri.go.id - Paris. An unusual and heartwarming moment occurred on the Champs-Élysées as Indonesian and French soldiers performed the traditional Pacu Jalur dance during a break in Bastille Day parade rehearsals.

“This moment proves how Indonesian culture can touch hearts and resonate globally,” said Brigadier General Ferry Irawan, Commander of the Indonesian contingent, on Friday in Paris.

The dance, originating from Riau Province, has gone viral globally due to a video of young Rayyan Arkhan Dikha dancing gracefully atop a moving boat. Now, it becomes part of Indonesia’s soft diplomacy.

Videos show soldiers from both countries—men and women—dancing together, smiling and laughing. Among them was Lt. Col. Eka Wira Dharmawan, a well-known TNI officer and social media personality.

Indonesia sent the Patriot II contingent—500 personnel from the military and police academies—as the only foreign unit invited to march in the Bastille Day parade, showcasing growing bilateral and cultural ties with France.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)