THE EDITOR – Apart from being known for its natural attractions, Banyuwangi is also known for its ethnic, cultural, and traditional diversity. Various cultural and traditional riches from tribes and ethnicities in this region were displayed in Festival Kebangsaan (Nationality Festival) held at the Blambangan Cultural Arts Building.
Held over 2 days, from 15-16 November 2024, this year’s theme is ‘Kembang Setaman Harmoni Nusantara’. This theme depicts a garden with many colorful flowers that are beautiful to look at.
The theme is not chosen without any reason. Banyuwangi residents consist of various ethnic groups, including the Using, Mandar, Javanese, Balinese, Madurese, as well as Chinese and Arab ethnicities.
“Quoting the lyrics of the Umbul-umbul Blambangan song, Banyuwangi is the essence garden of Nusantara, which means a miniature of Indonesia. We then turn this harmony into this Festival Kebangsaan,” said Acting Regent of Banyuwangi Sugirah, Saturday night (16/11/2024).
Various cultural arts from various tribes were displayed nicely on a festival stage. The event was attended by various community leaders, cultural figures, and youths who are members of the National Diversity Forum (FPK).
“The various ethnic groups in Banyuwangi enrich the artistic and cultural traditions of Banyuwangi which is certainly a social capital to build this region. We must maintain this inter-ethnic harmony well,” said Sugirah.
Many other ethnicities, besides the Osing, are also full of history and still exist today.
Like the Chinese tribe in Banyuwangi. Originally from South Fukkien, their livelihood is trading – according to their area of origin. Their existence can be traced in the Chinatown area, Karangrejo.
There is also the Mandar tribe. Quoted from various sources, Mandar sailors began arriving in Banyuwangi, which was then called Blambangan, from the 18th to 19th centuries. The main purpose was to trade.
Initially, they lived in Ulupampang, now known as Muncar, along with other traders from Bugis, Malay, Chinese and Arabic. Dutch colonial policy, which required settlement based on ethnicity, forced them to move. They then settled on the coast of Boom Beach, which is now known as Kampung Mandar.
Acting Head of the National Unity and Political Agency of Banyuwangi Agus Mulyono explained that in addition to the highlight of the Festival Kebangsaan, there were nationality shows and various other interesting activities, such as various ethnic culinary specialities, folk songs, inter-ethnic dances to the Nusantara dance drama “Kembang Setaman”.
“Alhamdulillah, Banyuwangi has created harmony between tribes and ethnicities and this festival is to strengthen and maintain a good relationship between ethnicities and tribes,” said Agus.
