Pokdarwis: Jazz Atas Awan Returns as Part of DCF 2026

Banjarnegara - The ‘Dieng Pandawa’ Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) has confirmed that Jazz Atas Awan will return as part of the Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) XVI 2026, scheduled for 28-30 August 2026 at the Dieng Plateau Tourism Area. Chairman of ‘Dieng Pandawa’ Pokdarwis, Alif Faozi, in Dieng Kulon Village, Batur District, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, on Monday said that DCF 2026, which is included in the Ministry of Tourism’s Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN), will feature the theme ‘Spirit in Harmony’ and the committee is currently finalising the event schedule. ‘This year’s DCF remains in line with the national event calendar as it is part of the Ministry of Tourism’s Kharisma Event Nusantara, hence the dates of 28-30 August 2026,’ he said. He stated that Jazz Atas Awan will take place on the first evening of the festival with a full jazz music concept, while the second evening will feature collaborative performances across various genres and artists. He explained that the organising Pokdarwis had previously planned to separate Jazz Atas Awan into a standalone event, which is why jazz performances were not included in DCF XV 2025. However, after careful consideration, the event was reintegrated into the DCF programme. ‘We want Jazz Atas Awan to remain alive and continue to be known by the public. Rather than not holding it at all, this year we have reintroduced it into the festival while seeking opportunities to hold it independently in the future with stronger partner support,’ he said. He said the ‘Spirit in Harmony’ theme was chosen to promote harmony between humans and God, among people, and with the environment. He added that DCF serves not only as a tourism promotion tool but also as an educational platform highlighting the importance of preserving culture and the environment in the Dieng area. He acknowledged that the 2025 DCF served as a learning experience for the committee, as the relatively short preparation time meant some targets were not optimally met. Additionally, last year’s stage concept was deemed insufficient in delivering the expected visual appeal, so this year the committee is working on a more refined and attractive concept for visitors. However, he admitted that as of Monday, 1 June, the committee had not yet finalised the timing for the main DCF 2026 event—the ‘ruwatan’ ceremony for children with gimbal hair. ‘The ruwatan is still under discussion regarding whether it will be held on the second or third day. The final decision will be announced during the soft launch of DCF 2026 on Wednesday, 3 June,’ he said. Alongside cultural and entertainment attractions, DCF 2026 will also prioritise community economic empowerment through the involvement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He said the participant packages prepared by the committee will include local products such as Banjarnegara batik, bamboo crafts, and purwaceng to expand economic benefits for the local community. He stated that the number of participants for the main activities at the Arjuna Temple complex will be limited to preserve the environmental carrying capacity and the cultural heritage site. ‘The limits are in place to protect the cultural heritage site and the relatively unstable Dieng terrain, ensuring the festival delivers economic benefits without compromising conservation efforts,’ Alif said.