Russia, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines Enliven West Java International Fun Folk Festival in Bandung
Bandung became the host of the West Java International Fun Folk Festival (WJIFFF) at the Pendopo Kota Bandung on Sunday (19/7). The event cemented Bandung’s status as a barometer of world diplomacy, following the earlier Asian-African Conference (KAA) in 1955.
WJIFFF is regarded as a translation of the 1955 KAA into a more human face, reaching communities through art and culture. The gathering became a magnet for cultural delegations from Indonesia, Russia, Malaysia, the Philippines and India to share a stage of friendship.
The festival was a collaboration between Lions Club Bandung Sangkuriang, Lions Club Bandung Raya, Color of Indonesia, the Indonesian Association of Women Across Professions (P2LIPI) and the Bandung municipal government.
The organising committee chairwoman, Irma Suganda, explained that the festival was a tangible manifestation of cultural diplomacy uniting various nations through a universal language, namely art.
“The presence of delegations from five countries is an honour for us,” she said.
She hopes the event will serve as a bridge strengthening relations between nations. Beyond being a means of cross-country communication, the event is also expected to broaden cultural networks while inspiring the younger generation to take pride in their own cultural heritage.
“An inspiration for the younger generation,” said Irma.
Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan, who officially opened the event, affirmed that Bandung has a long track record of building international communication. Diplomacy, he said, is conducted not only through formal political forums but also through art, culture and interaction between communities.
“We are proud to host our friends from Russia, Malaysia, the Philippines and India. Moreover, Bandung has a history as a city that bridges diplomacy and communication between nations,” he added.
According to him, that spirit has returned through cultural diplomacy connecting the world’s communities in an atmosphere of friendship.
ART PERFORMANCES
A cultural atmosphere was indeed palpable throughout the event. Around 30 pupils from SDN M. Toha opened the festivities with an energetic Rampak Gendang (drum ensemble) and gamelan dance performance. Their appearance also served as a reminder that cultural preservation must be passed on to the next generation, in line with the momentum of National Children’s Day.
The cultural richness of West Java also captivated foreign guests through the Merak (Peacock) Dance performed by five dancers from the Pusbitari studio. The dance was designated an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTB) by the Minister of Education and Culture in December 2020.
The festivities continued as the Russian, Malaysian, Philippine and Indian delegations presented traditional dances characteristic of their respective countries. The performances were further enriched by appearances from the Tri and Rengganis dance studios, delighting the eyes of hundreds of guests who packed the Pendopo Kota Bandung.
The event culminated in a social dance, the Kalem Aya Urang/Balakutak Line Dance, guided by instructors from d’ULD (The Universal Line Dance) West Java. Participants from various countries immersed themselves in the joint dance, proving that art can tear down the barriers of language, culture and nationality.
The success of the West Java International Fun Folk Festival is authentic proof that Bandung not only holds pages of world diplomatic history but continues to create new spaces of collaboration relevant to the younger generation. Through culture, the city of Bandung has reaffirmed its role as a bridge of international friendship and a centre of creativity connecting Indonesia with the world.