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IMF 2024 celebrates cultural wealth, solidarity through masks
WINDONESIA December 11, 2024
Official trailer for IMF 2024, which was held Nov. 15-16, 2024. (IMF 2024)
Surakarta hosted the International Mask Festival (IMF) 2024 on Nov. 15-16, 2024, a cultural event which celebrated cultural wealth in the form masks and solidarity between nations. The festival, held at Pendapi Gede of the Surakarta City Hall, is part of the Tourism Ministry's Karisma Event Nusantara 2024 calendar of events.
IMF 2024 Executive Raden Ayu Irawati Kusumo Rastri stated on Nov. 6, 2024, that the festival is expected to be a forum for cultural diplomacy that brings together mask artists from various countries. She explained that the theme for this year's [IMF], "The Beauty of Solidarity," was chosen to remind people of the beauty of solidarity in cultural differences, especially in diverse Indonesi. The festival also aims to convey a message of peace through culture amid a global situation filled with conflict.
"Solidarity is beautiful, especially in the year of regional and presidential elections when there is a lot of friction in society. We want to remind people of the importance of harmony between nations," Irawati said.
The festival was attended by around 70 foreign artistic delegations, including artists from Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan. In addition, Indonesia sent 35 groups from various regions, including, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Bali, with a total of around 200 dance artists who will enliven the festival.
The event also has seminars involving speakers from several countries, including professors from Malaysia's Universitas Teknologi Mara (UITM).
"We want to encourage closer cultural diplomatic relations between nations, so that they get to know each other's mask culture," Irawati said.
As part of efforts to introduce mask culture among students, IMF 2024 also collaborated with Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri Sembilan Surakarta in a special session.
As an annual festival that has been going on for 11 years, the IMF is targeted to make Indonesian mask culture internationally recognized.
“In Korea, many mask dances have been recognized by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as cultural heritage. We hope that Indonesian masks can also get similar recognition,” Ira divulged.
She also encouraged the government and the people to preserve the mask culture as a world cultural heritage.
Festival visitors could also enjoy a culinary bazaar, craft exhibition, and musical entertainment from local groups such as Vani Suki from Purneo, Andarbeni, and Jawa Tulen. With a target of 5,000 visitors in two nights, the IMF was expected to be able to support the economy of the city of Solo through the accommodation and consumption needs of the artists and tourists who attend it.
“We want the IMF to be a reminder for the younger generation of the cultural richness that they must preserve,” she concluded.
Source: www.rri.co.idRelated Articles
