Borobudur Moon: A Strategic Step to Present World-Class Arts and Cultural Performances in the Borobudur Area
Hundreds of traditional dancers from Magelang and Gianyar, Bali, captivated thousands of Borobudur residents at the inaugural Borobudur Moon event. The performance, held in the Marga Utama area of the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex, was a strategic move by the Magelang Regency Government to extend tourist stays and build Magelang's image as a world-class cultural destination.
Magelang Regent Grengseng Pamuji expressed his hope that this cultural event could become a regular event held every full moon in the Borobudur Temple area. He stated that Borobudur Moon is not just an artistic performance, but a symbolic event that unites the souls of the archipelago under the light of the full moon at Borobudur Temple.
"Borobudur Moon embodies the harmony between art, culture, and nature. This activity combines the spiritual beauty of Borobudur Temple with vibrant and dynamic cultural expressions from across the country," explained Grengseng Pamuji at the launch of Borobudur Moon.
Borobudur Moon is a cultural arts performance held every full moon in the Borobudur Temple area. For this inaugural event, the Magelang Regency Government, in collaboration with the Gianyar Regency Government, Bali, presented 200 Balinese dancers to perform the Purusadha Santa dance drama.
"We express our deepest gratitude to the Regent of Gianyar for his visit to Magelang Regency. Borobudur Moon is a cultural meeting place that brings together two special regions, Magelang Regency and Gianyar Regency," he explained.
The Governor of Central Java, represented by the Assistant Regional Secretary (Sekda) for Economic and Development Affairs of Central Java Province, Sujarwanto Dwiatmoko, also expressed his appreciation for the creative idea of the Magelang Regent in holding Borobudur Moon.
Sujarwanto emphasized that tourism will be the foundation of Central Java's economic development in 2027. He believes that cross-regional collaboration is key to achieving inclusive economic growth and expanding positive impacts for local communities, artists, and small businesses around leading tourist destinations like Borobudur.
"Borobudur Moon can be a tourist magnet, as well as a means of promoting regional culture, tourism, and the creative economy. If developed consistently, an event like this could become a new icon connecting the diverse arts and cultural potential of Central Java," he explained.
Several local Borobudur dances enlivened the performance, including the Raja Sibi dance from the Avadana Studio in Wanurejo Village, Borobudur. Dancers from the Langen Krido Santoso Studio in Windusari District performed the Dewi Sri Boyong dance. The Kalyanamitra Dewi Malam dance and the Soreng Warga Setuju dance were also performed.
The final performance featured the Purusadha Santa dance drama, performed by 200 dancers from Gianyar, Bali. This dance tells the classic story of King Purusadha and Sutasoma's journey, steeped in humanitarian values. The story conveys the message that awareness and kindness can overcome greed and power. This spirit aligns with the universal values that underlie the Borobudur Moon activities.
Gianyar artist representative Ni Nyoman Triadi revealed that all the dancers prepared the performance in just a month and a half. "We are very grateful to be able to perform at Borobudur Temple. This is not just a performance, but a cultural gathering full of meaning and spiritual value," she said.
Borobudur Tourism Park (TWB) Director Mardijono Nugroho stated that this event is part of the region's involvement to ensure that activities at Borobudur have a greater impact on residents around the destination. These regular performances will also continue to involve artists and performers in Borobudur.
"We hope this activity will be the starting point for nighttime activities in Borobudur that can boost the economy in the Borobudur area," he concluded.
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