The colossal Gandrung dance performance, Gandrung Sewu, will be held\nagain with a new concept on Saturday, 24 October 2026. For the first\ntime in 14 years, this performance, which has become a cultural icon of\nBanyuwangi, will be held at night, blending traditional art with\nlighting and performance technology.<\/p>\n
This year, Gandrung Sewu 2026 has received full support from\nInJourney, the state-owned enterprise (SOE) holding company in the\naviation and tourism sectors. This collaboration introduces a new\nconcept of performing the Gandrung dance in a nocturnal setting, while\nstill maintaining the essence and cultural values that serve as the soul\nof the performance.<\/p>\n
The Regent of Banyuwangi, Ipuk Fiestiandani, stated that the\nnighttime schedule is intended to ensure Gandrung Sewu continues to\nevolve and provide a different experience for both spectators and\ntourists.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery year, we strive to present something new in Gandrung Sewu.\nThis year, for the first time, we are presenting it at night. This is\nnot merely a change in timing; we want to provide a different experience\nfor the audience and tourists,\u201d Ipuk said in her statement on Wednesday\n(30\/09\/2026).<\/p>\n
More than 1,000 dancers will participate in the performance. The\ndancers will utilise phosphorus elements combined with lighting design\nto create unique visual effects in the night atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cTradition does not have to remain static. Tradition can continue to\nmove, adapt, and evolve with the times without losing its identity. The\ncore essence of Gandrung Sewu remains the Gandrung dance itself, with\nthe movements, rhythms, expressions, and cultural values inherited from\nour ancestors,\u201d said Ipuk.<\/p>\n
According to Ipuk, the collaboration with InJourney provides new\nenergy for the development of Gandrung Sewu, while simultaneously\nstrengthening the arts, culture, and tourism ecosystem in\nBanyuwangi.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe express our appreciation to InJourney for collaborating in the\norganisation of Gandrung Sewu. The collaboration between local\ngovernment, the business world, artists, communities, and the public is\nvital energy to strengthen the arts and culture ecosystem as well as\ntourism,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the SVP Corporate Secretary of InJourney, Yudhistira\nSetiawan, noted that Banyuwangi possesses complete tourism potential,\nranging from natural and cultural wealth to various widely recognised\nattractions. He believes Gandrung Sewu has the potential to be developed\nas one of Indonesia\u2019s signature cultural events.<\/p>\n
\u201cBanyuwangi has many established and complete tourism elements,\nincluding destinations and attractions. Banyuwangi possesses very strong\nnatural and cultural wealth. In terms of attractions, there is Gandrung\nSewu, which is already well-known to tourists,\u201d said Yudhistira.<\/p>\n
Consequently, InJourney, together with the Banyuwangi Regency\nGovernment, has designed the nighttime performance concept to provide a\nnew experience and strengthen the appeal of Gandrung Sewu for both\ndomestic and international tourists.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn order to strengthen and amplify the Gandrung Sewu event to become\na greater attraction for tourists from across the archipelago and\nabroad, we have designed this new nighttime concept together with the\nRegency Government, without forgetting the essence of the Gandrung\nculture itself,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Yudhistira added that a well-designed tourism event is not only\nintended to create crowds during the event itself. Furthermore, such an\nevent is expected to create a multiplier effect across various tourism\nand regional economic sectors.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he hopes that the organisation of Gandrung Sewu can\nbecome part of a complete tourism experience for visitors travelling to\nBanyuwangi.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our shared challenge. The hope for the future is that\ntourists attending Gandrung Sewu can have a seamless experience,\u201d said\nYudhistira.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/gandrung-sewu-banyuwangi-introduces-new-concept-held-at-night-for-the-first-time-1790773397", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }