REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PURWOKERTO -- Eight dancers from Belgium participated in the Banyumas Extravaganza 2016 organized by the Banyumas district administration, Central Java.
As part of the activity held in Purwokerto, Banyumas, on Sunday, with the route covering Jalan S. Parman and Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and ending at the Purwokerto Square, eight Belgian dancers showcased "Ebeg," which is the kuda lumping art form from Banyumas.
After appearing on the stage in the south Purwokerto Square, the eight Belgian dancers performed with a lumping horse.
Although the performers were still students, they looked graceful while dancing, despite the fact that they had not received ample practice of the kuda lumping dance form.
On a separate occasion, Kelly, a student from Belgium, expressed happiness on being able to be part of the Banyumas Extravaganza.
"It is a new experience for me," Kelly affirmed.
In addition to the performances by Belgian dancers, Banyumas Extravaganza 2016 themed "Batik Bertopeng Cantik" also featured a parade of beautiful girls from the Office of the Financial Services Authority of Indonesia in Purwokerto wearing batik costumes.
Head of the Banyumas youth, sport and tourism office Muntorikin stated that 36 groups of participants comprising students and the representatives of state-owned enterprises, local-owned enterprises, private sector, universities, and community organizations took part in the event.
"The Adipura Kirana recently received by the Banyumas Regent at the Siak Palace, Riau, on July 22, 2016, was also displayed during the event," he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Banyumas District Head Achmad Husein hoped the performances of the Banyumas Extravaganza 2017 would be held at night.
"I am sorry that the participants and spectators had to bear the hot weather conditions. To this end, we hope the organizers will hold the event next year at night," he emphasized.
On a separate occasion, Head of the Banyumas tourism section Sotyo Jatmiko expressed optimism that the Banyumas Extravaganza would help to promote tourism in Banyumas Regency.
In addition, Sotyo said, this activity is expected to improve the creative economy in the form of the development of a mask industry and help to further boost the batik industry in Banyumas.
"In fact, the masks may serve as new souvenirs for tourists visiting Banyumas," he added.