To introduce the richness of Indonesian folklore to the younger generation, second-semester students from the Indonesian Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Semarang, hosted the Indonesian Folklore Festival 2025. The event took place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Prof. Soegijono Laboratory Field of the Faculty of Sports Science.
Carrying the theme “Welcoming a Cultured Young Spirit,” the festival presented a variety of cultural attractions reflecting Indonesia’s rich traditions. Visitors were welcomed by various traditional games such as egrang, bakiak, and rangku alu, drawing enthusiasm from children and adults alike.
In addition to the games, visitors were also treated to a cultural parade showcasing traditional attire from various regions, representing non-oral folklore. Meanwhile, oral folklore was presented through traditional dance and drama performances. There were also Cultural Stands selling local delicacies from across Indonesia. Visitor enthusiasm was evident from their participation in various activities, from playing games and watching art performances to hunting for culinary delights at the cultural stands.
This festival was the final semester project for the Folklore course, mentored by Ibu Dyah Prabaningrum, S.S., M.Hum. Interestingly, this year’s event was held concurrently with the Children’s Traditional Games Festival organized by UNNES, making it an even more vibrant cultural collaboration. “This festival is an annual event. This year marks a significant step forward because we could collaborate with UNNES’s Children’s Traditional Games Festival as part of their 60th anniversary,” said Ibu Dyah Prabaningrum.
The Head of the Committee, Nadhif Abinaya Yulkham, explained that students had been preparing for this event for several months.
The Indonesian Folklore Festival 2025 is a testament to how the spirit of cultural preservation can be presented creatively and engagingly, while also serving as a space for young people to express themselves and celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage. (Ika Rizki Refima Putri/Student Staff Humas FBS UNNES/*)
Translated by Dafele Arozal/Student Staff Humas FBS UNNES
