Indonesia’s Independence Day is typically celebrated with various events, from competitions to parades across the country. One of the highlight activities is decorating or beautifying your neighborhoods with Independence Day-themed decorations.
However, a bit different from other regions, in Dieng, the celebration of 17 August is marked by a festival called the Dieng Culture Festival, which has been held since 2010. After its successful run last year, the Dieng Culture Festival returns in 2024 to celebrate Indonesia’s 79th Anniversary.
Learn more about the Dieng Culture Festival, how to get there, and some tips for your visit!
According to Dieng Pandawa’s website, the Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) is an annual event celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day. Organized by the Dieng Pandawa Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), the event combines nature tourism with cultural activities to boost the local economy of Dieng.
The Dieng Culture Festival first took place in 2010. Initially, the Dieng community had a cultural event called the Dieng Culture Week. By its third year, the local community formed a tourism awareness group called Pokdarwis Dieng Pandawa.
Along with the group’s formation, they renamed the Dieng Culture Festival event. Pokdarwis Dieng Pandawa comprises Dieng cultural art activists, agrotourism providers, tour guides, artisans, and homestay owners. It aims to further develop Dieng’s tourism potential.
There are several exciting events you can enjoy at the Dieng Culture Festival. What are they? Let’s get to know them!
● Jazz Atas Awan. Similar to previous years, this jazz music event at the Dieng Culture Festival spans two consecutive days. The event regularly features top artists and local musicians.
● Gebyar Lentera. It is a highly anticipated event at the Dieng Culture Festival. As the name suggests, visitors can release lanterns into the sky during this event and enjoy a fireworks display.
● Ruwatan Rambut Gimbal. This ritual involves cutting children's dreadlocked hair. This haircut is performed after their requests are fulfilled, as it is believed to be a gift from mystical beings. But, before the haircut, local residents hold a prayer ritual at Pepek River, Telaga Warna Cave, Sikidang Crater, Bima Temple, Balaikambang Lake, Gatotkaca Temple, Maerokoco Spring, Arjuna Temple Complex, Dieng burial grounds, and Dwarawati Temple.
Wondering how to get to the Dieng Culture Festival? You can follow these routes:
● Jakarta. If you are coming from Jakarta, you can choose between two routes: Purwokerto, which is 354 km away, and Yogyakarta, which is 550 km away. Once you arrive at either location, you can take a bus or rent a car to Dieng.
● Semarang. If you are coming from Semarang, the route to take is via Wonosobo, which is about 90 km away. Once in Wonosobo, you can rent a car or take a bus to Dieng.
● Bandung. If you are coming from Bandung, the route is through Purbalingga, which is about 200 km away. From Purbalingga, you can then rent a car or take a bus to Dieng.
For those who want to join in the festivities at the Dieng Culture Festival, here are some tips:
● Prepare warm and comfortable clothing, as Dieng has a cool climate.
● Bring (enough) cash since not all places in Dieng accept cashless payments.
● Do not forget to bring personal medication and a camera to capture memorable moments at the festival.
● If you are driving your private vehicle, make sure to check your vehicle’s condition—see whether it is in a good condition.
Are you interested in attending the festival? Go ahead and plan your visit for Indonesia’s 79th Anniversary. But, before you go to the festival, be sure to buy Online Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. Having this insurance will cover your journey from the moment you depart to the time you return home.
This way, your trip will be more comfortable and worry-free, including to Dieng!
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