Banyumas Regent: 'Lengger Bicara' a Space to Preserve Cultural Identity

Purwokerto (ANTARA) - Banyumas Regent Sadewo Tri Lastiono stated that the Banyumas Lengger Bicara 2026 event serves as a space for dialogue, learning, and community encounters with their cultural roots, while strengthening regional identity through the preservation of arts and culture amidst the changing times. “Lengger Bicara is not merely an artistic agenda, but a space for dialogue, a space for learning, as well as a meeting space that brings the community together with its own cultural roots,” said Sadewo during his speech at Banyumas Lengger Bicara 2026 at Menara Teratai, Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, on Friday evening. He said the theme “Gemah Ripah Loh Jinawi” depicts fertile land, a prosperous life, a community living in harmony, and a culture that grows alongside its citizens. According to him, prosperity is not only measured by physical development and economic growth, but also by the ability to maintain the identity, values, and cultural heritage that form the soul of the Banyumas community. He assessed that the preservation of the Lengger art form must be carried out through discussion forums, education, the regeneration of artists, and the involvement of the younger generation so that it remains alive and loved by the community. In this regard, he invited the entire Banyumas community to continue loving, preserving, and developing regional culture as part of their shared identity. “Also, to make Lengger Bicara 2026 a momentum for caring for ancestral heritage and fostering cultural creativity capable of answering the challenges of the times,” said the Regent. Banyumas Lengger Bicara 2026 featured a dance performance of “Sastra Jiwangga” by Rianto, performed by the Lengger Maestro himself, while the main event was a performance of “Senandung Tanah Makmur” featuring dances accompanied by a Javanese orchestra. The performance also included the presentation of awards to Peang Penjol, a legendary comedy group from Banyumas. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon presented an award to Suliyah, Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI Lestari Moerdijat presented an award to the family of the late Rusmadi (Peang), and Banyumas Regent Sadewo Tri Lastiono presented an award to the family of the late Sadikun (Penjol).