Unique is the attribute attached by Bugisan villagers to Candi Plaosan, the twin temple in Bugisan village, Prambanan district, Klaten regency, Central Java.

An aura of harmony pervading the temples certainly encouraged peaceful living when the shrines were built in the ninth century. This culture of harmony finally inspired the local community to set up Bugisan cultural village.

The paddy field east of Candi Plaosan was turned into an arts stage. Bugisan residents enthusiastically worked together to bring to fruition their goal of having a cultural village this millennium.

A zinc-based wayang [shadow puppet] was chosen as the mascot of Bugisan arts. With their colorfully decorated bodies, dancers paraded against the background of the temples built by King Rakai Pikatan. Various traditional performances like srandul [folk drama], gejok lesung [rice mortar pounding] and gamelan music were staged.

Artists from the Indonesian Arts Institute of Surakarta, Central Java, also collaborated with local players.

During November this year, these performers displayed their artistic creativity at Candi Plaosan.

“It was our hope that Bugisan would be a cultural village starting in 2016,” said Agus Satria Nugroho, executive chairman of the event.

The Twin Temple Festival is only one of the efforts to establish Candi Plaosan, now still standing magnificently in Bugisan, as a major cultural village destination in the province.