PORTALJABAR, BOGOR CITY - The West Java Provincial Government in collaboration with the Bogor City Government, held a West Java Cultural Examination at the Bogor City Square, Wednesday (11/12/2024).

This activity is an annual routine activity of the West Java Province Tourism and Culture Office (Disparbud) which aims to develop and promote culture in West Java Province.

The implementation of the Cultural Inspection was enthusiastically welcomed by the residents of Bogor City, including students from elementary, middle and high school levels.

Three students from Bogor City even stepped onto the stage to perform Pencak Silat, Jaipong and Pupuh Sundanese arts. Their performance managed to amaze the audience.

The three of them immediately received bicycle prizes from the Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin. Not only did the three students perform spontaneously, the West Java Cultural Review activity also featured several equally interesting art and cultural performances.

It started with Palang Pintu when welcoming the Acting Governor of West Java, then there was Borangan (Ngabodor Sorangan) or what can be called stand up comedy, Panarat Dance, Tunggul Kawung Dance, Hihid Wayang, Katumbiri Dance, Umbul Dance, Penca Kabogoran, Sasakala (fable story), Caladi Mincrak, Bajidor Kahot Saraswati Dance, Mojang Jaipong Dance, Sancang Gugat Dance, Kaulinan Urang Lembur, Rajah Sunda, and Wayang Golek.

Acting Governor of West Java, Bey Machmudin said, he usually goes straight to work in the morning like this, but today he was very happy because he could see the performance of West Javanese dance and culture at the Bogor City Square.

According to him, this activity is very good for all generations, considering that culture is not just a heritage but also an inspiration for the development of a city that is advanced and has character.

"Sometimes we only pursue routines, whereas creativity is born from culture. How we study art and culture will create breakthroughs and create innovations and advance the people of West Java," said Bey.

Bey said that this activity is a form or way to show culture as the identity of West Javanese citizens.

He also wants the city of Bogor to provide more public places for artists and cultural figures to perform and express themselves, so that they can inspire the younger generation.

"This kind of method can be a good example and can be held every month so that the community can be happier and more united. Hopefully, Riksa Budaya can inspire the younger generation to love and preserve culture and strengthen West Java's position as a world-class cultural center," said Bey.

In the same place, Acting Mayor of Bogor, Hery Antasari expressed his gratitude for the implementation of the collaborative event between the West Java Provincial Tourism and Culture Office through the 'West Java Cultural Examination' program with the Bogor City Tourism and Culture Office in the 'Bogor City Regional Cultural Week' program.

"Like a match made in heaven, the Bogor City Government through its Disparbud at the same time also held the Bogor City Regional Cultural Week, so it is very appropriate to collaborate in an effort to develop and promote the arts and culture that we have," said Hery.

Hery explained that cultural activities such as the West Java Cultural Examination and the Bogor City Regional Cultural Week, and other cultural activities are very important, and even need to be increased.

This is in accordance with Law Number 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture and Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2023 concerning the Implementation of Regional Cultural Advancement.

"Arts and Culture, including creative efforts that we try to echo in today's collaborative event and are included in the list of Cultural Advancement Objects (OPK). Through this activity we can see various works of art, performances and cultural heritage in the City of Bogor," said Hery.

He added that various elements gathered at this location, namely the government, academics, the DPRD as law makers, business actors, the community (artists, cultural figures, communities) and the media.

This is in accordance with the current collaborative spirit, namely, the collaboration of six elements and six dimensions, where all elements work together to realize the same goal in advancing the development of arts and culture in the City of Bogor and West Java Province.

"In the future, not only Arts and Culture, but the Ten Objects of Cultural Advancement have the same opportunity for us to advance and preserve such as Oral Traditions, Manuscripts, Languages and Rites. Let us make culture a foundation in building a strong national character, noble character, and able to compete in the global arena," he explained.

For information, this activity is held in several cities/regencies in West Java. Bogor City is the second city where this activity is held. The first city is Indramayu and the third city next week is Sukabumi City. (Public Relations of Bogor City Government/Revo)