PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan received participants of the 2026 West Java International Fun Folk Festival at the Bandung City Hall (19/7/2026) to strengthen international friendship through arts and culture.

The festival featured delegations from Russia, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines as a platform for cultural exchange and to introduce diversity to the younger generation.

Farhan said that art and culture are universal languages that can strengthen relations between nations and shape the character of society.

"Welcome to Bandung. We are in a historic building that symbolizes Asian-African solidarity. We must continue to preserve the spirit of brotherhood born in Bandung through art and culture," said Farhan.

According to Farhan, Bandung has a long history as a city of world diplomacy since the Asia-Africa Conference, so the value of brotherhood needs to continue to be passed down.

He added that Indonesia's relations with the countries participating in the festival are also supported by historical, cultural, and cooperative ties that continue to grow.

"Everyone here is one big family. We are united by Asian-African solidarity and international friendship. This is what we must continue to pass on to the younger generation," he said.

Farhan hopes that the West Java International Fun Folk Festival will become an annual event so that more countries can participate in cultural exchange.

"I hope the West Java International Fun Folk Festival will continue to be a space for artistic and cultural expression that strengthens our solidarity throughout history. I believe culture and the arts will shape a strong national character," he said.

Farhan also appreciated the Lions Club for supporting the festival through various humanitarian and cultural preservation activities.

Color of Indonesia founder Vivi Sandra Putri said the festival proved that culture can unite people across countries through collaboration.

"We're proving that through culture, we can unite. This year, delegates from Russia, Malaysia, India, and the Philippines are attending. Hopefully, more countries will join next year," he said.

The festival took place through a collaboration between Color of Indonesia, Lions Club District 307 B2, PP-LIPI West Java, arts and culture communities, and the support of the Bandung City Government and the West Java Provincial Tourism Office.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)