A fresh mountain breeze gave an energy boost to youngsters constructing a bamboo decoration on the open-air stage of the Java International Folklore (JiFolk) preevent in Temanggung, Central Java, on July 6.

JiFolk, held from July 12 to 14 at Temanggung Square, presented art performances from 10 ASEAN countries. It is one of 10 events held under the 2019 Sindoro Sumbing Festival, which runs from June 9 to July 20.

During the JiFolk preevent, lively performances of jaran kepang (bamboo horses) and topeng ireng (black mask) entertained hundreds of people at the Papringan art center in Ngadiprono village in Temanggung regency.

Meanwhile, Keroncong Wayang Gendut, better known as Cong Way Ndut, gave a refreshing performance with its mix of keroncong folk music and shadow puppetry.

The Sindoro Sumbing Festival was organized jointly by youths and the local administrations of Temanggung and Wonosobo regencies.

The festival is aimed at highlighting traditional culture and the environmental crisis — such as plastic trash and wildfires — on Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing, which are located between the two regencies.

The festival will culminate on July 19 and 20 with the staging of dance drama Sendratari Sindoro Sumbing at Kledung Square in Temanggung.

Fierce look: Dancers prepare for their jaran kepang (bamboo horses) performance at the JiFolk preevent in Temanggung, Central Java.

Balancing act: A mother attends a JiFolk preevent show while rocking her baby to sleep on a swaddle carrier hung on a bamboo pole.

Poise: Venezuelan dancer Stefania, who is currently conducting art research in Indonesia, takes part in the Cong Way Ndut performance at the JiFolk preevent.

Feisty moves: Young women from Ngadidono village perform topeng ireng (black mask), a traditional dance inspired by pencak silat movements.

— Photos by JP/P.J.Leo