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Langgam Pos - The Keris Siginjai Festival's grand finale took place at Graha Sinjai, the Jambi City Hall, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, showcasing a vibrant array of events.
A highlight of the evening was a theatrical performance by Jambi's youth, a product of a dedicated incubation program supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). This performance underscored the talents and creativity of the younger generation, bringing local cultural stories to life through the performing arts.
"This theater performance represents the culmination of an incubation program involving Jambi's youth over the past few months," said Restu Gunawan, Director of Cultural Institutions and Staff Development, in a written statement on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
"The program aims to nurture and develop young artistic talents while promoting and preserving local cultural stories," he added.
Restu highlighted that the Keris Siginjai Festival is part of the Kenduri Swarnabhumi 2024, a series of 12 cultural festivals aiming to reconnect with the history and civilization shaped by the Batanghari River.
"Primarily, we focus on the presence of the Solok Sipin Temple, a cultural heritage site in Jambi City. This festival, involving various groups including Jambi's youth, seeks to preserve local wisdom and values," Restu explained.
He noted that the Keris Siginjai Festival includes several engaging activities, such as showcasing local crafts and visiting the Solok Sipin Temple, which holds significant archaeological value for Jambi.
The Long Journey of Jambi's Malay Civilization
According to Restu, the long history of Jambi's Malay civilization as a cultural entity has always been affirmed by the Batanghari River Basin. He noted that the river basin has witnessed ancient relics, including temple sites like the Solok Sipin Temple.
"The presence of the Solok Sipin Temple signifies the continuity of settlement use from the ancient Malay period through the Jambi Sultanate and up to the present day," Restu stated during the Keris Siginjai Festival's grand finale on August 3, 2024.
Grand Theater Performance
One of the notable performances was 'Keris Siginjai,' a grand theatrical presentation that narrates the story of the Jambi-origin keris, an emblem of Jambi's grandeur and the valor of its past kings and sultans.
Choreographer Wise Azizah shared insights into the incubation process for the 22 dancers of the Keris Siginjai performance at the festival's opening.
Azizah explained the intensive training over several months, focusing on dance techniques and a deep understanding of the Keris Siginjai's history.
"Through this collaboration, we created a performance that is not only visually stunning but also rich in historical significance," Azizah noted.
Local Pride
Azizah highlighted that the Keris Siginjai Monument, which inspired the theater, has a long history and is a point of pride for Jambi's people and tourists alike.
"This monument is not just a local symbol of pride but also a silent witness to past glories and the bravery of Jambi's heroes," she emphasized.
Muhammad Syawaly Arsy shared his experience from the incubation process.
"From the beginning, we learned intricate dance techniques and the history behind the Keris Siginjai. Each movement we learned carries its own story," he said.
"The performance at the grand finale is the culmination of all our efforts and hard work. I am extremely proud to be part of this team and contribute to preserving Jambi's culture," Syawaly added.
In addition to 'Keris Siginjai,' the festival also featured 'Telusur Jejak Leluhur,' a grand performance depicting the historical and cultural journey of Jambi.
Local theater choreographer Ichalago expressed enthusiasm about training 150 students over more than a month. He described the performance as an effort to revive Jambi's history through the Batanghari River Basin.
"We involve the younger generation to recognize and cherish their cultural heritage. This is not just about entertainment but also about education and preserving Jambi's noble values," Ichalago affirmed.
Festival Highlights
The Keris Siginjai Festival featured various other attractions, including the 'Keris Siginjai' performance, a batik fashion show by young Jambi designers, the Tugu Keris Siginjai Festival, a batik exhibition, a UMKM bazaar, and the grand 'Telusur Jejak Leluhur' performance.
These events aim to revive local cultural spirit and promote Jambi's rich cultural heritage to the broader public.
As part of the Kenduri Swarnabhumi 2024, the Keris Siginjai Festival is expected to be a catalyst for cultural and environmental preservation along the Batanghari River Basin, raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding ancestral heritage for future generations.
The Kenduri Swarnabhumi festival series will be held across 10 districts/cities in Jambi Province and one district in Dharmasraya, West Sumatra, with local communities leading these cultural celebrations to reinforce the spirit of cultural independence. Each festival will coordinate with the Festival Director and Local Curator, supported by Kemendikbudristek through the Directorate of Film, Music, and Media, Directorate General of Culture.
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Tags: Indonosia Culture, Jambi Culuture, 'Keris Siginjai, Kenduri Swarnabhumi 2024, The Keris Siginjai Festival's,
