Subang – The Sawindu Galuh Pakuan Cup Seri VIII returns as Indonesia’s largest cultural and martial arts festival. Officially opened today at the Gotong Royong Sports Arena in Subang Regency, this event is themed “Festival Spectacular” and celebrates the richness of Sundanese traditions through the Jaipongan Creative Dance Festival, a first of its kind in the country.
The festival highlights the cultural heritage of Sunda by showcasing creative performances across three stages, a concept never before realized in Indonesia. Tine Yowargana B.A., B.E., M.H., popularly known as Ting Ting, who serves as the event’s Chairperson, emphasized that this festival is a testament to their dedication to preserving Sundanese culture while fostering globally recognized talent in traditional dance.
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“We independently organize this festival to advance Sundanese traditions and cultural heritage, while shaping a civilization with strong identity and character. This event is for all of us, for the prosperity of our society,” said Ting Ting.
The festival has a grand mission of supporting talented dancers and cultural practitioners by providing scholarships and the largest cultural grant funds in Indonesia. According to Ting Ting, “This festival not only aims to enhance human resources but also contributes to the ‘soft power movement’ led by Galuh Pakuan to nurture the Sundanese identity and contribute to national civilization.”
Ting Ting also noted her deep commitment to Sunda, inspired by her ancestors, including Ratu Ong Tien. She reaffirmed that the festival’s ultimate goal is the well-being of the community, achieved through unity and cultural preservation.
The event will feature various martial arts competitions, including Silat, Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing, Kempo, Tarung Derajat, Kuras, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo. It offers total prize money of IDR 250 million, alongside prestigious trophies such as:
– The Rotating Trophy of Raja LAK Galuh Pakuan
– Trophies from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomindigi RI), RRI, and Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
R.M. Evi Silviadi S.B., the King of Lembaga Adat Karatwan (LAK) Galuh Pakuan of West Java, expressed his dedication to the event, stating, “This is a tribute to our ancestors’ legacy and a concrete step to unite our nation through art and culture.”
Prominent national leaders and clerics were present, including:
– KH. Muh Musthofa Aqiel Siroj (PP. KHAS Kempek Cirebon)
– KH. Niamillah Aqiel Siroj (PP. KHAS Kempek Cirebon)
– KH. Umar Faruq (PP. Gedongan Cirebon)
– KH. Amiruddin Abdul Karim (Pondok Buntet Pesantren Cirebon)
– KH. Abdul Wahid Al Qudsi (PP. Al Musyarrofah Cianjur)
Ting Ting teased that the festival’s finale will be an extraordinary moment in Sundanese history. “The people will witness and celebrate the return of Sundanese greatness, marking progress for our nation. Let us look forward to December 26, 2024,” she added passionately.
*Watch Live on YouTube*
The festival can also be streamed live across three main stages:
– Stage C (Senior Category): [Watch here] (https://youtube.com/live/sphmKkQe4xI?feature=share)
– Stage B (Junior Category): [Watch here] (https://youtube.com/live/wMhXVfJ86rw?feature=share)
– Stage A (Cadet Category): [Watch here] (https://youtube.com/live/KjJBvnCnGLc?feature=share)
Supported by various elements such as PWNU West Java and local pesantrens across Subang, the event engages over 4,000 participants nationwide. This grand celebration further cements Sawindu Galuh Pakuan Cup’s position as a pioneer and an inspirational national cultural event.
Don’t miss this vibrant showcase of Sundanese culture that unites and uplifts Indonesian society. (Wly)
