DPR member: Bisik Serayu Festival strengthens national character
Purwokerto (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives Siti Mukaromah has assessed that the Bisik Serayu Festival 2026 is not merely an arts and cultural event, but can also strengthen the nation’s character through the exploration of the noble values of the Banyumas community in Central Java.
“The Bisik Serayu Festival embodies the essence of Banyumas philosophy, which is born from three main pillars: Mount Slamet, the Serayu River, and the blakasuta character,” she said in a statement in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, on Friday.
According to her, these three pillars are not merely geographical symbols or social characteristics, but rather an ethical foundation that can serve as Banyumas’ contribution to the development of Indonesia’s national character.
She explained that Mount Slamet contains the philosophy of “gununge mulang kukuh” (the mountain teaches us to be strong), which teaches steadfastness and integrity.
Meanwhile, the Serayu River, through the philosophy of “Serayune mulang mili” (the Serayu River flows), teaches flexibility, harmony, and sustainability.
The blakasuta character is reflected in the philosophy of “Blakasuta mulang jujur” (blakasuta teaches honesty), which teaches the courage to speak the truth while still prioritising good manners.
“This formulation gives birth to the ideal Banyumas person: firm without arrogance, attentive without being harsh, and forthright without causing hurt,” said the legislator, who is familiarly known as Erma.
She said these values are becoming increasingly relevant when realised through arts and cultural activities that involve the wider community.
She assessed that the combination of art, culture, the environment, and community involvement in the festival can serve as a means to instil care for nature while strengthening regional cultural identity.
She expressed hope that activities such as the Bisik Serayu Festival will not stop as an annual agenda, but will be able to provide a sustainable impact for the community and become a space for nurturing Banyumas cultural values.
“The noble values that live in society must continue to be nurtured and transformed so that they become part of the character of future generations,” said Erma.
The Bisik Serayu Festival 2026, initiated by Rianto Dance Studio, will be held on 29–30 August 2026 on the banks of the Serayu River, at Joglo Gayatri, Kaliori Village, Kalibagor District, Banyumas Regency.
The festival carries the theme “Cultural Aggression” with three main pillars: Bisik Air (Svara Tirta), Pijak Bumi (Prajna Pertiwi), and Temu Rasa (Manunggaling Warga).
The series of activities will feature local, national, and international artists from France, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. One of the main performances is the Manten Gethek Procession, which combines water-based performing arts with Banyumasan spiritual and cosmological values.