Pangkalpinang – Around 58 participants from Regional Government Organizations (OPD), Schools, and State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN/BUMD) participated in the cultural event "Blitar Ethnic National (BEN) 2023" held at A Yani Street in Blitar City on Saturday (15/07/2023).
Traditional dance from Bangka Belitung (Babel) called "Tari Campak" were presented by Blitar civil servants in the event. Adding to that Babel wedding attire or “Paksian” was also showcased there.
BEN Carnival was attended by representatives from Singkawang, West Kalimantan, and Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. They came to observe and evaluate the dance performed by participants.
Pupung P Damayanti, Culture and Arts Sub-Coordinator of Babel Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports Office, said that BEN Carnival 2023 was amazing as it engaged the local community.
"This event serves as a prime example of building an appropriate ecosystem for the government and the community, where they mutually support the preservation of cultural diversity. This event also becomes a platform for artists to showcase their work after the COVID pandemic," said Pupung.
Additionally, she stated that the performance of Campak dance was impressive.
"This dance is a form of social dance expressing joy, and the young participants learned it through YouTube only," she concluded.
The BEN Carnival 2023 was opened by Blitar Mayor, Santoso, and the Director of National Tourism Marketing, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Dwi Marhain. The opening was marked by cracking a whip and lifting Barongan (tiger head or peafowl plume masks). (RZ/DM/ZE)
