ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia’s capital is strengthening its role in global cultural diplomacy as Jakarta World FolkFest 2026 welcomes 115 delegates and performers from six countries for a week-long celebration of traditional arts, cultural exchange, and international friendship.
Delegations from Romania, Greece, Poland, the Philippines, Russia, and South Korea are participating in the festival, held from July 1 to July 7 as part of Jakarta’s 499th anniversary celebrations and the city’s journey toward its landmark 500th anniversary next year.
Opening the festival at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said cultural exchange plays an important role in fostering mutual understanding and stronger ties among nations.
“We hope this festival becomes a bridge of friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between nations,” Pramono said.
The festival reflects Jakarta’s broader ambition to evolve into a global city while preserving the cultural heritage that has shaped its identity for centuries. City officials view cultural diplomacy as an increasingly important instrument for expanding international engagement, promoting tourism, and encouraging people-to-people connections.
Throughout the festival, international delegates will explore some of Jakarta’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Monument (Monas) and the historic Kota Tua district, offering visitors a closer look at the capital’s history, diversity, and ongoing urban transformation.
Public performances featuring international delegations alongside Jakarta’s traditional art groups will take place at Sarinah from July 3 to July 5, bringing together diverse cultural traditions in one of the city’s most prominent public spaces.
As Jakarta prepares to celebrate five centuries of history, the city is positioning culture as a key pillar of its international engagement. Through initiatives such as Jakarta World FolkFest 2026, Indonesia continues to showcase cultural heritage as a form of soft power that promotes dialogue, strengthens international partnerships, and reinforces the country’s image as an open, inclusive, and globally connected nation. (AT Network)
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