CCN, Cilegon. In an effort to promote and preserve Indonesia’s cultural diversity, the Cilegon Department of Education and Culture (Dindikbud) organized the My Enduring Culture Festival. (15.08.2023).
The festival, held at the Courtyard of the Mayor’s Residence in Cilegon, showcased various exhibitions, art performances, a mini museum, children’s martial arts competitions, and local cuisine. One of the highlights of the festival was a performance by the AJB Foundation Tegalwangi with a Dramatization of a Poem, a foundation committed to preserving local traditions.
The AJB Foundation delivered a captivating performance to the audience. They presented a Dramatization of the poem titled ‘Elegy for the Arum Marsh,’ depicting the story of the balance between humans and nature. With graceful narration and elegant movements, their performance effectively reminded everyone about the importance of caring for the environment.
Jalaludin, Chairman of RT 01 Rw 05 Tegalwangi Old Neighborhood, expressed that children with talents in the AJB Foundation, residing in the Tegalwangi area, appreciated DindikBud of Cilegon city for inviting their children to perform at the My Enduring Culture Festival. The aim was to educate the community about the significance of preserving cultural heritage. “We must strive to safeguard and preserve our culture, as it is an integral part of our identity as Indonesians,” said Jalaludin.
Rektha Nasywa Andrian, one of the performers of the poetic dramatization, the Elegy for the Lotus in the Arum Marsh, expressed gratitude for being able to recite the poem about the Arum Marsh at the cultural festival. He hoped that the arts and culture in Cilegon would continue to flourish, and artists and cultural enthusiasts would become more enthusiastic about their craft. He recited the Elegy for the Lotus in the Arum Marsh, a work by Ahdi Zukruf Amri. It depicted the once glorious and fertile Telaga Village, a tragedy engraved in the hearts and souls. The Arum Marsh stood as a silent witness to past tragedies, also representing resilience and beauty within.
“With just a day or two of rehearsal, practicing together with the children of Old Tegalwangi, Alhamdulillah, we were able to perform on the stage of the My Enduring Culture Festival in Cilegon city. Hopefully, in the future, we can recite the poem about the Arum Marsh on different stages and events, with ample time for preparation,” said Rektha.
Festival attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy various exhibition booths displaying manuscripts, revolutionary weapons, photographs of the Cilegon uprising, and various local products.
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