HARIANEXPRESS – The Sawindu Galuh Pakuan Festival is currently underway, aiming to highlight Sundanese traditions and rich cultural heritage. This significant event also seeks to cultivate a civilization rooted in strong identity and character.
Tine Yowargana, the event’s chairperson, confirmed its independent organization to advance Sundanese culture. She stated that the festival is designed for the collective prosperity of society.
Festival Aims and Vision
The festival’s core mission involves supporting talented dancers and cultural practitioners across Indonesia. This support is provided through scholarships and what is noted as the largest cultural grant fund in the nation.
Yowargana explained that beyond enhancing human resources, the festival contributes to the ‘soft power movement’ spearheaded by Galuh Pakuan. This movement focuses on nurturing Sundanese identity and enriching national civilization.
The event is a clear demonstration of dedication to preserving Sundanese culture, while also fostering traditional dance talent recognized globally.
“We have independently organized this festival to advance Sundanese traditions and cultural heritage while shaping a civilization with strong identity and character,” Tine Yowargana said in a statement.
Yowargana expressed profound commitment to Sunda, drawing inspiration from her ancestors, including Ratu Ong Tien. She emphasized that the festival’s ultimate goal is the well-being of the community, achieved through unity and cultural preservation.
“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.
Sawindu Galuh Pakuan Cup VIII Details
The Sawindu Galuh Pakuan Cup VIII, recognized as Indonesia’s largest cultural and martial arts festival, is taking place from December 23 to December 26. This grand event is hosted at the Gotong Royong Sports Arena, located in Subang district.
Under the theme “Festival Spectacular,” the event celebrates the depth of Sundanese traditions. A highlight is the Jaipongan Creative Dance Festival, which is presented as the first of its kind in the country.
The festival also includes a variety of martial arts competitions. Participants are competing in disciplines such as Silat, Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, Kempo, Tarung Derajat, Kuras, jiu-jitsu, boxing, karate, and taekwondo.
Contestants vie for a substantial total prize pool of Rp250 million, alongside prestigious trophies. Among these is the Rotating Trophy of Raja LAK Galuh Pakuan.
Additional trophies will be awarded by prominent institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, RRI, and the Indonesia University of Education (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia/UPI).
Evi Silviadi, the Head of the Karatwan Traditional Institution (Lembaga Adat Karatwan/LAK) Galuh Pakuan of West Java, affirmed his commitment to the event. He views the festival as a tribute to ancestral legacy.
“This is a tribute to our ancestors’ legacy and a concrete step to unite our nation through art and culture,” he stated.
With support from various groups like West Java NU and local pesantrens across Subang, the event has attracted more than four thousand participants from across the nation. The grand celebration aims to solidify the Sawindu Galuh Pakuan Cup’s standing as a pioneering and inspiring national cultural event.
