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Wonderful Archipelago Carnival Indonesia wows audience at JFC 2017
The event presented 10 national themes on a 3.6-kilometer runway.
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The tenth edition of Solo Batik Carnival featured 400 participants, including Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC) and Cirebon Caruban Carnival (CCC). (JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
O
n Sunday, August 13, the 16th Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) 2017 held Wonderful Archipelago Carnival Indonesia (WACI) event that was initiated by the Indonesian Carnival Association.
The event presented 10 national themes such as Sriwijaya Empire, Bali, King of Papua, Mystical Toraja, Siger Crown Lampung, Borneo, Chronicle of Borobudur, Mythical Toraja, Wonderful of Betawi and Unity in Diversity on a 3.6-kilometer runway.
There were also special performances from Situbondo, Bondowoso and Riau Islands.
“This cultural carnival that is initiated and facilitated by tourism ministry and the Indonesian Carnival Association has been taking part at Jember Fashion Carnaval since 2014,” said the ministry's archipelago marketing development deputy, Esthy Reko Astuti.
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A group showcasing the theme Sriwijaya Empire appeared on stage in golden costume and then followed by Mystical Toraja with traditional Toraja music playing in the background.
The performance was then followed by Wonderful of Betawi with colorful wardrobe, accompanied by “Ondel Ondel”song. Also seen on the runway was Miss Tourism International (MTI) 2016 Dikna Faradiba in a Betawi traditional costume.
Chronicle of Borobudur followed the performance, and the show continued with Siger Crown Lampung which showcased a female performer portraying as a queen inside a golden chariot accompanied by a knight.
Performances from Situbondo, Bondowoso and Riau Islands also wowed visitors, especially the show from Riau that that highlighted the many forests in the province.
One member of the audience named Suwardi said that he and his family have been watching the carnival since day one.
“I’m bringing my family to see the unique carnival outfits as well as taking some leisure time. Even though it was raining yesterday, thankfully it’s a sunny day today,” said Suwardi.
Another visitor named Margaret who came from the Netherlands with her husband Peter said she has been attending JFC since 2012.
“We’ve been watching this since 2012, it’s very fantastic. Especially today, I feel like I’m witnessing so many greatness from different parts of Indonesia,” Margaret told.
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The Grand Carnaval finale was held at 01:00 p.m. and attended by President Joko Widodo and first lady Irina Joko Widodo.
Prior to attending the festival, the President handed over a land certificate for a national strategic program at New Sari Utama Convention Hall in Kaliwates district and Indonesia Smart Card to middle school students in Patrang district.
Before flying back to Jakarta, the President was scheduled to give a public lecture at Muhammadiyah University Jember.
Tourism minister Arief Yahya said that the President is very supportive of JFC. He also mentioned that Indonesia Cultural Carnaval is set to become an annual event and is currently being prepared to perform at the ASIAN Games 2018.
“The Indonesia Cultural Carnaval will be performing in Jakarta in the near future. It’s a trial for the opening of ASIAN Games 2018 that will be held around Monas in August. The president wants this kind of event to be held twice in a year,” said Arief. (asw)
