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Jakarta Post

Borobudur festival to return with erotic, religious themes

Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Sun, September 25, 2016

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Borobudur festival to return with erotic, religious themes This year, the event will feature scientific discussion about ancient scriptures that relate to eroticism and religiosity, specifically Serat Centhini, a 12-volume work created by Pakubuwono V of the Surakarta kingdom and three court poets. (Shutterstock/File)

T

he Borobudur Writers and Cultural Festival (BWCF) is set to return for the fifth time from Oct. 5 to 8 in Magelang and Yogyakarta, Central Java.

This year, the event will feature scientific discussion about ancient scriptures that relate to eroticism and religiosity, specifically Serat Centhini, a 12-volume work created by Pakubuwono V of the Surakarta kingdom and three court poets. It will also offer other events, such as photo and painting exhibitions, workshops, arts performances and a discussion between writers and the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) with the aim of creating an Indonesian writers association.

“To me, the BWCF reminds us that Indonesia not only has mountains with ‘tamarind’, but also 'salty' seas,” festival advisor Mudji Sutrisno said at a press conference on Thursday, referring to a proverb that highlights the various elements of the country's culture.

(Read also: Festival highlights importance of film preservation, restoration)

“We want to give something that could be developed into various forms,” added festival director Yoke Darmawan, noting the possibility of ideas forming after the discussions on cultural works.

Regarding the unique theme, Yoke commented, “We don’t go for the sensation of eroticism, but we seek to learn from the journey written in volumes 5-9 of Serat Centhini.” The director of Samana Foundation also noted that there were many metaphors in the works and in many acts of worship, including Javanese rituals. “And so, what is the effect of religiosity in Javanese culture? That we have to see,” she said.

(Read also: Island focus: Museum employees’ future in limbo)

Meeting of the minds: Festival curator Seno Joko Suyono (from left to right), festival advisor Mudji Sutrisno, Bekraf head Triawan Munaf and festival director Yoke Darmawan speak at a press conference in Jakarta on Sept. 22. (JP/Masajeng Rahmiasri)

Meanwhile, Bekraf head Triawan Munaf expressed his agency’s stand in the festival. “By digging, appreciating the past works, I want the younger generations to be able to extract what exists here, to monetize it for our welfare together,” he said, noting the richness of Serat Centhini, which includes its architectural, design and culinary aspects. He was also hopeful the festival would help to expand the usage of Indonesian culture in the future.

Other highlight of the festival is Sang Hyang Kamahayanikan, an award given to those who have greatly contributed to the study of Indonesian culture and history. Festival curator Seno Joko Suyono announced that this year's recipient would be the late Kartono Kamajaya for his contribution in translating Serat Centhini from its original Javanese script into Indonesian language, and Halilintar Latief for his contribution in helping to preserve the Bissu, the transgender Buddhist monks of the Bugis ethnic group.

The BWCF is expected to draw around 300 attendees, including writers, cultural observers, academics, historians, archeologists, clerics and more. (kes)

(Read also: Festival held to conserve migratory birds at Limboto Lake)

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