Menbud Fadli Zon Encourages Banyumas Ngibing Festival To Enter The National Agenda

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon with Andy F. Noya (Doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that Lengger Dance is an important part of Indonesia's cultural heritage that must be seriously protected and promoted. He conveyed this after receiving direct invitations from Andy F. Noya and maestro Lengger, Rianto, at the Ministry of Culture, Jakarta, to attend the Banyumas Ngibing Festival, 24 Hours of Dancing which will be held in June 2025 in Banyumas, Central Java.

"This festival is not only an expression stage, but also a cultural statement that traditional arts such as Lengger are alive and deserve an honorable place," said Menbud Fadli Zon in a written statement, Friday (25/4).

During the meeting, Lengger's various conservation strategies were discussed as a typical art of Banyumas. Fadli mentioned the importance of awarding local maestros and stated that the Indonesian Fund would be designed to directly reach regional cultural actors, including to support this festival.

Andy and Rianto are real examples of how cultural promotions are carried out from below with a collective spirit. Countries must be present to support," he said.

Andy Noya emphasized that the Ngibing Banyumas Festival wants to generate people's love for dance and remove negative stigma against Lengger. He called the state's support, including the direct presence of the Minister of Culture, very meaningful for local communities and artists.

Rianto, as Lengger's maestro, encouraged the government to pay special attention to maestros who have been maintaining knowledge and tradition for generations.

Fadli also emphasized the importance of documenting traditional dances in the form of books so that they can be passed on to the younger generation. He even invited Andy and Rianto to present Lengger on the Osaka Expo 2025 stage, as part of Indonesian cultural diplomacy.

The Banyumas Ngibing Festival, 24 Hours of Dancing' will be held on May 3, 2025 in Banyumas Square, presenting a 24-hour non-stop dance performance and involving artists from various regions. This activity is expected to be a collaboration space as well as a symbol of the spirit of preserving cross-generational culture.