Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During Distribution of Social Assistance to Performing Artists, at Balekambang Surakarta Park, Surakarta, Central Java Province, May 26, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Today, I visit Balekambang, Solo City to witness activities of the artists, particularly on folk arts, such as wayang orang (human puppet), ketoprak (Javanese musical theater), reog (masked dance), and the like, that have been stopped during the past two years.

I hope once the pandemic is under control, I hope the activities can be resumed; it’s really important. Traditional arts, folk artists, wayang orang, reog, ketoprak, all of them must be revived to preserve and maintain our cultural arts. And this morning, I have met with the artist of traditional arts.

Reporter

What is your first impression after visiting Balekambang after a while?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The most fundamental thing is to revive the place as the center for culture which will bring positive impacts to our arts and culture, as well as to demonstrate that traditional arts will live on forever.

Reporter

Is it about the revitalization?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The Central Government will support any activities related to culture and cultural arts, anywhere.

(RAS/LW)