Traditional Dance, Cultural Heritage That Needs To Be Planted Early

A number of down syndrome students performed the traditional game dance cublak-cublak suweng at a dance performance in Semarang, Central Java, Saturday (26/4/2025). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Learning dance, especially traditional dance, has a crucial role in shaping the character and identity of the younger generation.

In addition to strengthening cultural identity, active involvement in this art can foster a sense of pride in ancestral heritage and maintain the sustainability of the tradition that is increasingly eroded by the times.

Cultural observer and art actor Jose Rizal Manua said that support from the government is needed to increase the interest of the younger generation in traditional dances from various regions in Indonesia.

"The interest of young people in regional dances is now decreasing," he said when contacted in Jakarta, Tuesday.

He emphasized the importance of the role of family, society and government in creating ecosystems that encourage regional training and dance performances as a tangible form of strengthening the nation's cultural identity.

Jose also assessed that colossal performances in public spaces, such as those held in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, are a good strategy to reintroduce dance art to the wider audience. According to him, every region in Indonesia has a unique variety of dances and cannot be found in other countries.

Meanwhile, he also noted that the development of modern dances was very fast. Therefore, he suggested that the government require regional dance lessons in schools, in accordance with the origin of their respective provinces, so that traditional dance arts remain sustainable.

On the other hand, Jose also highlighted the development of increasingly stretched poetry in the digital era. "Now anyone is free to write and work, including writing poetry," he said.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) also acknowledged the great role of traditional dance in promoting Indonesian culture to foreign countries. Expert Staff for Innovation and Creativity at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Restog Krisna Kusuma, stated that performing arts such as dance are not only related to cultural preservation, but also a potential tourist attraction.

According to him, Indonesia stores an extraordinary wealth of dance arts and can be a means of cultural promotion if managed professionally. Performance of traditional dances that are well packaged can attract foreign tourists to explore the beauty and diversity of the archipelago culture.