Pram seeks to keep Bedug tradition alive during Ramadan in DKI

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung Wibowo, wants the Bedug Festival tradition to continue in the capital, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Hopefully the traditions for the Bedug Festival like this in Jakarta will be well maintained,” Pramono said after opening the Bedug Festival at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Central Jakarta, on Saturday.

Pramono explained that previously the total number of participants in the festival was 93 groups from various areas of Jakarta. However, after going through the selection stage at the city and administrative regency levels, 16 of the best groups remained to advance to the provincial level.

The DKI provincial government also prepared coaching prizes for the winners. The first prize will receive Rp25 million, second Rp20 million, and third Rp15 million. In addition, there is also an Encouragement Award with a coaching prize valued at up to Rp12.5 million.

In addition to competing in the event, the 16 finalists will also perform during the Takbiran night celebration at Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI), Central Jakarta.

“I am confident that when there is a Bedug Festival, a torchlight parade, and various communities present, it will surely be much more festive and vibrant to welcome Idul Fitri in Jakarta, and it will make everyone feel a greater sense of ownership of Jakarta,” he said.

Pramono also hopes that the finalists will not only be enthusiastic during practice and performance, but that he wants the tradition to continue in Jakarta.

Because he admits that when he was small he also enjoyed playing the bedug in mosques. That is what he wants to revive in the capital’s mosques.

“I call on all elements of society to continue preserving our cultural traditions, and this is what will foster the silaturahmi that exists in Jakarta,” Pramono said.