T

housands of spectators were surprised to watch a performance by a Malaysian dance group at a cultural parade celebrating the 114th anniversary of Jembrana regency, some 90 kilometers west of Denpasar.

The Malaysian delegation confidently performed a Malay dance wearing colorful satin costumes under the scorching Jembrana sun.

Indonesia, especially Bali and Malaysia are currently experiencing strained relations due to Malaysia's claims over a Balinese dance known as Pendet, Batik textile and Angklung bamboo musical instruments.

Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, who opened the cultural parade, said the event was a good sign.

"We appreciate their *Malaysian delegation* participation at this cultural event," said the minister, hoping it would ease tensions between the two nations.

More than 38 art groups participated in the cultural event held along the main streets of Negara, Jembrana's capital, on Tuesday.

Jembrana Regent I Gde Winasa was also optimistic, saying the event could boost tourist arrivals from domestic and foreign countries.

"This event shows our cultural richness. I am happy to see people enthusiastically taking part in the annual festival," Winasa added.

The parade was opened by hundreds of beautiful Balinese girls adorned in glittering traditional songket, gold woven textiles and traditional jewelry and accessories. The girls carried huge offerings consisting of fruit, meals and flowers on their heads.

The 2-kilometer long procession also included a group of young men carrying poles adorned with colorful flags.

Among the participants were art groups from Banyuwangi, Jember, Probolinggo, Malang, Surabaya in East Java and Madura. Cultural troupes from Central Sulawesi and other provinces were also part of the festival.

Jembrana regency presented its cultural icons, jegog and ble ganjur - bamboo musical ensembles.

A spiritual group from Denpasar, Sri Jaganatha, performed a dance to pay respect to Hare Krishna.

The Banyuwangi group staged a Gandrung dance, a unique community dance.

The dance was accompanied by Angklung bamboo musical instruments, an art form that Malaysia claims originated in their culture.

The Probolinggo group performed a Barongsai lion dance. The dance tells the story of a lion's journey to the holy Mt. Bromo. On its way to the mountain, the mythical lion meets a group of local horses, or Jaran Badhog. The dance fused Chinese and Javanese cultural elements.

Visitors also watched Novuja, a special tradition performed to celebrate harvest, by the Kaili ethnic group from Central Sulawesi.