Organized by the Yogyakarta Provincial Tourism Agency and Jaran Production, the seventh instalment of the event aims to attract more tourists to the city, which is popularly known as the heart of Javanese culture.

“Cultural events like this make it easier to market Yogyakarta to tourists,” said the agency’s marketing division head, Imam Pratanadi, adding that the administration was expecting to see more than 450,000 foreign tourist visits by the end of this year.

Themed “Jogja The Dancing City”, the two-day event will feature both local and foreign performers,

The foreign performers include Kazcho Takemoto from Japan, Stefano Fardelli from Italy, Rodrigo Parejo from Spain, Angela Vela from Mexico and Potchanan Pantham from Thailand.

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Meanwhile, the local performers comprise Kiki Rahmatika, Kerincing Manis, Fetri Rachmawati, and Artha Dance from Yogyakarta, as well as other performers from cities such as Cirebon and Bandung, West Java, Padang in West Sumatra, Pasuruan in East Java, and more.

Moreover, local art and cultural communities, such as Topeng Losari, Natya Laksita, Mila Art Dance, Total Perkusi, Sanggar Anak Tembi, Bambini Body Movement, Swagayugama UGM, and Rampoe Aceh UGM, will also participate in the event.

Jaran Production’s program manager, Iqbal Tuwasikal, said the organizer chose the campus compound as a venue because they wanted to attract more students.

Iqbal added that the performances were scheduled to take place at both public spaces and stages at five different spots located around UGM’s Pancasila Square and Boulevard.

 “We will also organize a ‘Tayungan’ contest on Tuesday afternoon. Everyone is welcome to join,” said Iqbal, referring to a special move in Javanese traditional dance. (jes/kes)