JAKARTA – Artists from Indonesia and Malaysia recently joined forces to strengthen their friendship. They showcased their talents at the Saga Nusantara Festival 2026. The town of Mukah in Sarawak, Malaysia, hosted this exciting event from October 21 to October 25. The festival carried a special theme called Warisan Bertemu Warisan: Melanau x Jawa. This theme perfectly combined the beautiful sea traditions of the Melanau people with the rich art philosophy of Java (in Indonesia). Consequently, the festival created a fresh and exciting space for cultural dialogue.
Leaders Praise the Meaningful Collaboration
Indonesian and Malaysian officials strongly supported this event. Abdullah Zulkifli, the Indonesian Consul General in Kuching, praised the artists for their hard work. He stated that the festival successfully united the noble traditions of Mukah with the beautiful arts of Solo, Yogyakarta, and Pontianak.
Furthermore, Nur Faydyzah Abdul Aziz, the festival organizer, explained her choice of location. She chose Mukah because the area possesses immense cultural wealth and great tourism potential. Meanwhile, Rubiah Tul’Adwiyah Md Yusuf from Tourism Malaysia Sarawak highlighted the social benefits. She noted that sharing food, art, and traditions builds deep understanding between the two communities.
Musicians and Dancers Light Up the Stage
Many talented performers entertained the energetic crowd throughout the week. Popular Indonesian singers Novia Bachmid, Alffy Rev, and Farhad Hasan thrilled the audience with their voices. In addition, students from Tanjungpura University played traditional Gamelan music. A tourism group from Yogyakarta also invited guests to experience a royal tea-drinking tradition.
Similarly, dancer Boby Ary Setiawan collaborated with local children to present classic Javanese dances. Malaysian groups like Sri Ritma Gamelan and Gemersik Kenyalang Gamelan also brought wonderful energy to the stage. Finally, the P. Ramlee Fan Club of Sarawak closed the event with a spectacular show.
Building Friendship and Boosting Local Business
The festival achieved much more than just putting on great shows. It actively opened new doors for local businesses to grow. Sellers promoted their handmade crafts, local foods, and creative products to a wider audience. Therefore, the event directly boosted the local economy. Ultimately, the Indonesian Consulate General hopes this partnership will continue to grow in the future.
They believe that art and culture provide the strongest foundation for lasting peace and cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Photo doc. ANTARA News
