THE EDITOR – The Gandrung Sewu Festival once again wowed thousands of spectators who packed Marina Boom Beach on Saturday (26/10/2024). A total of 1,350 Gandrung dancers successfully presented a world-class colossal art performance.
Carrying the theme “Payung Agung” The Diversity of Culture, Gandrung Sewu this time becomes a window to the diverse cultural richness of Nusantara that lives harmoniously in Banyuwangi.
“Gandrung Sewu Payung Agung is a reflection of the beauty of the cultural diversity that exists in Banyuwangi, where traditions and values interact with each other. Although different, we appreciate and respect each other’s support,” said Acting Banyuwangi Regent Sugirah when opening the event.
Sugirah said Gandrung Sewu, which has been included in the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) since 2023, not only celebrates cultural wealth but also invites all parties to play an active role in preserving it. The Banyuwangi Regency Government itself has held the Gandrung Sewu event since 2012.
“We believe that packaging tradition in a modern format like Gandrung Sewu will preserve the richness of local cultural arts while attracting the younger generation to continue to preserve it,” he said.
This year’s Gandrung Sewu colossal dance performance depicts the harmonization of the various tribes in Banyuwangi and their efforts to maintain unity in times of conflict.
The character of Umar Moyo, who is wise in maintaining harmonious relations between tribes, also appears.
In the performance, thousands of Gandrung dancers formed various neat formations that drew many applause from thousands of spectators.
Ministerial Expert Staff for Innovation and Creativity of the Ministry of Tourism and Economy Creative Restog Krisna Kusuma, who was also present, appreciated the Banyuwangi Regency Government for continuing to encourage the progress of tourism and the creative economy. One of them is by holding various quality events.
“Gandrung Sewu is inseparable from innovation and improvement in the quality of implementation from year to year so that it becomes a leading event that attracts domestic and foreign tourists,” he said.
“This event is also an example of how collaboration and synergy across sectors in driving the regional economy by involving various elements of society ranging from artists, tourism industry players to msme. We hope this event can become a benchmark for other regions,” he added.
The Gandrung Sewu Festival was also attended by President Director of PT Pelindo Properti Indonesia Sukariyadi Rudi Meidianto and representatives of regional heads throughout East Java and Bali.
