REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON -- Indonesia has won the Cultural Minister Award at the 11th Sabah International Folklore Festival (SIFF) held in Kinabalu, Malaysia, last weekend.

Indonesia was represented by Gantari Gita Khatulistiwa cultural art center, the center's spokesperson, Gilang Lestari, stated in a press release received by Antara here on Monday.

The Indonesian art delegation performed the Baine Toraya dance from Toraja, South Sulawesi province and the Tua Basamo dance from Minang, West Sumatra province.

Besides Indonesia, the festival saw the participation of South Korea, Sri Lanka, Russia, Malaysia, Australia, India, the Philippines, Estonia, Thailand and Ireland.

Gantari Gita Khatulistiwa won the Best Music Arrangement Award, while the Prime Award was achieved by the Gaelic Girl Irish Dancing Troupe from Ireland and the Chief Minister Award was won by Sam Le Yaw Group from the Philippines.

The Coordinator of Gantari Gita Khatulistiwa at SIFF 2016, Cantika Reviera, recalled that the Indonesian cultural delegation had rehearsed their performances for at least three months.

"We are very happy that our hard work finally paid off and we won an award. We are very thankful to all the supporters, including parents and families," she remarked.

The Jury Award was won by Anak Seni Asia Group from Malaysia, the Best Performance Award went to D'Ukeebil Sakha Yakutia from Russia, and the Highest Online Presence Award was bagged by Sam Le Yaw Group from the Philippines.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika