Deputy Governor Rano says IWDF is a source of creative economic growth

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno said the Indonesia World Dance Festival (IWDF) 2026 not only strengthens the city’s cultural identity but also serves as a source of creative economic growth. ‘The global economy is facing numerous challenges, but we must not be trapped by this situation,’ Rano said in Jakarta on Saturday. He added that the IWDF not only enhances Jakarta’s international image but also drives economic impact through tourism and the creative sector. Rano stated that various cultural events organised by the Jakarta Provincial Government in recent months have contributed to local economic activity. ‘Therefore, we must adopt creative financing, not only through the economic sector but also via culture, creativity, and sport,’ he said. The IWDF 2026 will take place at Pos Bloc in Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta. The event is part of World Dance Day celebrations and Jakarta’s 500th anniversary preparations, aiming to bolster the city’s position as a globally culturally-oriented metropolis. Rano noted that the IWDF 2026 involves over 1,200 participants from approximately 80 dance studios and attracts around 10,000 visitors, a significant increase from last year’s inaugural event. ‘Last year, there were over 800 participants; this year, it has reached 1,200. Nearly 80 studios are involved, including participants from Korea. This shows dance has become part of global cultural collaboration,’ he said. Deputy Governor Rano hopes the IWDF will continue to evolve as a platform for intergenerational cultural preservation, bringing together youth, creative communities, and art masters in a shared expressive space. He believes this will strengthen the city’s identity while serving as a source of creative economic growth. ‘We want Jakarta to become a global cultural stage. For the city’s 500th anniversary in 2027, we are preparing various international events involving more countries and representatives from all continents,’ he added. The IWDF 2026 is organised by the Jakarta Provincial Cultural Affairs Office in collaboration with the Rosmala Sari Dewi Foundation as an official Jakarta Provincial Government programme to host an international cultural festival. The festival features various activities, including dance parades, workshops, battle dance fusion, art performances, flashmobs, dance festivals, and appearances by national and international guest stars at strategic locations across Jakarta.