Lumajang dance festival promotes culture, tourism

Lumajang, Jawa Timur (ANTARA) - The Segoro Topeng Kaliwungu colossal dance performance, featuring around 500 student dancers, served as a platform to preserve local culture while strengthening tourism in Lumajang, East Java, an official said.

Held at Watu Pecak Beach in Selok Awar-Awar Village, Pasirian Subdistrict, on Sunday, the event formed part of the Ministry of Tourism's Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program.

"Segoro Topeng Kaliwungu is not only a cultural preservation event, but also an initiative that can strengthen the tourism sector and drive economic growth," Lumajang District Head Indah Amperawati said.

Carrying the theme "Lamadjang: The Land of Glory," the performance depicted the birth of the Land of Lamadjang through a blend of dance, music, and Lumajang's cultural traditions.

Indah said the event provides an important opportunity to introduce Lumajang's cultural heritage to a wider national audience through KEN.

According to her, the trust given by the central government carries the responsibility to preserve and further develop the district's intangible cultural heritage.

"We have been given the opportunity by the Ministry of Tourism to introduce Indonesia's stories through culture. Therefore, we must preserve and continue developing our intangible cultural heritage as part of our commitment as a KEN host region," she said.

She added that preservation of the Kaliwungu Mask Dance would continue through educational programs so younger generations become more familiar with their cultural heritage.

Indah also welcomed the strong public response, with visitors arriving from Bali and other regions, as well as from Spain, France, China, and Slovakia.

One visitor from Slovakia, Mery, praised the performance.

"I am happy to watch it in person, and the performance was truly amazing. I liked all the young dancers," she said.

The festival involved around 500 elementary, junior high, and senior high school students performing the Kaliwungu Mask Dance as part of efforts to preserve Lumajang's cultural heritage.

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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: Anton Santoso

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