Batam in Riau Islands Hosts Javanese Gathering Event
Jakarta. More than 100,000 guests attended the ninth Paguyuban Among Wargo Jowo, or Punggowo, which was held in Dataran Engku Putri, Batam, Riau Islands, on Sunday (27/08).
Punggowo is a gathering of more than 100 Javanese communities in Riau Islands.
"This gathering is an annual event and we will keep it to strengthen the bonds between us," Punggowo leader Soerya Respationo said in a statement.
The event was opened with a Malay dance performance.
Sixty-eight art groups performed traditional Javanese and Sumatran dances, such as kuda kepang, reog, rontek, jathilan, topeng ireng, tayub, kerawitan and barongsai.
The festival also featured a culinary exhibition and a fashion show.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya praised the event as it displays Indonesia's culture of silahturahmi (togetherness).
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