Tende Bomba dance gets KIK at Poso Lake Festival 2025

The opening night of the 2025 Poso Lake Festival turned into a historic moment when the Tende Bomba dance, one of the most prominent cultural expressions of the Sintuwu Maroso region, officially received a Communal Intellectual Property Certificate (KIK) from the Law Ministry Central Sulawesi Regional Office.

Amid the spotlights on the stage and the fluttering costumes of the dancers, the symbolic narrative of the dance seemed to transcend time and space.

The Tende Bomba dance is more than just a series of gentle, graceful movements. It is a language passed on by Poso ancestors about gratitude, respect, and the relationship between humans and the universe.

In Poso tradition, Tende Bomba is danced during occasions such as welcoming guests of honor, traditional rituals, and harvest thanksgiving ceremonies.

Female dancers typically wear warm-colored clothing made of tenun, a traditional Austronesian hand-woven fabric, with each step and swing of the arms conveying the message to walk with the heart, and live in balance.

The KIK was presented by Law Ministry Central Sulawesi Regional Office Head Rakhmat Renaldy to Poso Regent Verna G.M. Inkiriwang. The handover was witnessed by thousands of pairs of eyes and a row of central and regional officials.

Rakhmat stated that the KIK certificate is a legal foundation that is increasingly needed in present day.

"In the [current] digital era, culture is vulnerable to exposure and unlimited imitation. The KIK ensures that the Tende Bomba dance is not claimed carelessly. This is a form of respect for the ancestors and cultural rights of the local community," he said.

He added that the protection by KIK provided broader opportunities for the creative industry, arts education, and cultural diplomacy.

"When culture is protected, the younger generation will recognize it not as an inflexible heritage, but as a living pride," he said.

The audience was captivated at the opening night of Poso Lake Festival 2025. Applause erupted as the final dancer concluded the dance choreography with a salute.