Nusantara Philosophy Laboratory, Faculty of Philosophy, Universitas Gadjah Mada held “Nusantara Dance Competition ” at the provincial level on Saturday (3/9). The Dance Competition was joined by senior high school students in Yogyakarta Province. The event was enlivened by the performance of Gadjah Lampung (Bedana Dance), IMAHU (Cekalele), East Kalimantan Ormada, Bali Dance Unit (Trunojoyo Dance), Central Celebes Ormada, and students of Philosophy (Piring Dance).
In addition to the dance performances, the event was also complemented by band performances by high schools in the Yogyakarta area. The festival presented booths which serve a variety of culinary of the Archipelago and innovations as well.
“We do prepare traditional culinary booths for the public,” said chairman of the steering committee, Farid Mustafa, M. Hum.
Farid said the festival aims to raise the value of local wisdom in society. The value is highlighted through many elements such as traditional culinary so that the younger generation is not only familiar with junk food or fast food. “I hope the younger generation will be familiar with a wide variety of regional specialties in the country, not only the foods from other countries,” said Farid.
Nusantara Festival is one of the events to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM. Farid added that public enthusiasm for the Nusantara Festival was excellent. Farid took the enthusiasm of the dance competition participants as an example. The committee needed to limit the number of participants since there are too many applicants. “The enthusiasm of the young people to the art of dance is worth of appreciation since the popularity of traditional dance is decreasing among the youth,” said Farid.