Sabang Merauke Performance Can Be An Event To Introduce Archipelago Culture For The Young Generation

JAKARTA - The Sabang Merauke The Indonesian Broadway performance was again held on a larger and more magnificent scale. This show presents a combination of theater, traditional dance, contemporary dance, music, and ethnic clothing from various regions in Indonesia, packaged in modern but still rooted in the rich culture of the archipelago.

After the success of the theme 'Mrs. Pertiwi' and 'Pahlawan Nusantara', this year Sabang Merauke comes with a new spirit through the big theme Hikayat Nusantara'. As the name suggests, the audience will be invited to follow the stories of the people from various regions in Indonesia, from Malin Kundant to Charcoal Candidates delivered through theatrical, dance, ethnic clothing, and accompaniment of magnificent music.

According to Rusmedie, Sabang Merauke is a cultural movement. The long process of artists from research to training is not only to produce beautiful works, but also to train them to understand the rich culture of the archipelago more deeply.

"The symmetries and dancers involved are not only learning how to go through well, but they are also learning other traditions of Indonesia that are so rich and they may not even know. Here there is a traditional exchange from Aceh to Papua," Rusmedie said at a press conference in Jakarta, recently.

He added that the vision of this performance was a cultural movement that was born from the long creative process of artists to present the best work as a form of love for the archipelago culture.

This event was held on August 23, 2025, at the Indonesia Arena Senayan, Jakarta, involving more than 1,500 art actors.

This year, more than 1,500 art actors will be involved. A total of 351 dancers, national singers such as Yura Yunita, PADI Reborn, Mirabeth Sonia, to world-class musicians from Jakarta Concert Orchestra, Batavia Madrigal Singers, and The Resonanz Children's Choir will bring the stage to life.

Not only that, spectacular visuals also come through costumes by Jember Fashion Carnaval and Pesona Gondanglegi. This show is getting more and more lively with lion dance attractions, drumbands, to energetic actions.

Spectators who come can watch dozens of dances and regional songs from almost all of Indonesia on one stage. This year, there are 31 songs and dozens of traditional dances that will be performed.

Starting from Bungong Jeumpa (Aceh), Butet (North Sumatra), Manuk Dadali (West Java), Keroncong Kemayoran (Jakarta), to Sajojo (Papua). From Bali there were Tembang Calon Charcoal, while Sumatra displayed energy through modern medleys Remix Pulau Andalas Bersatu.

In addition, the national anthem Thank you, the thematic song Nusantara, and self-inspirations will be a symbol of togetherness and a sweet cover of this show.

"We all have to have the same ideals to convey messages, emotions, and stories from the archipelago's hierarchy. There have been many dialogues between traditions, orchestras, and gamelans. This reflects our true lives," said Elwin Hendrijanto, music director at this event.

Apart from music, the choreography side is also the main force. There are more than 75 choreography performed, ranging from traditional dances such as Saman, Jaipong, Piring Dance, to Cakalele and Soya-Soya.

Uniquely, this traditional dance is combined with modern choreography such as hip-hop, cheaters, to Freedom House Dance. In fact, there will be surprises with characters like Buto from Central Java, Ondel-Ondel with roller skates, to Yuyu Kangkang cosplay.

Not only that, choreography with unique characters such as Buto from Central Java, lion dance, to Ondel-Ondel with roller skates also enriched the variety of performances.

Through the theme Hikayat Nusantara', Sabang Merauke is expected to be a means for the younger generation to get to know the noble, social, and cultural values that shape the nation's character.

"Hopefully we can both love Indonesian traditions and culture," concluded Rusmedie.