Solo Showcases Global Cultural Diversity at the International Mask Festival 2025

Solo, November 2024 – The city of Surakarta once again affirms its position as a cultural capital of the Nusantara through the International Mask Festival (IMF) 2025, which took place vibrantly at Pendhapi Gedhe, Surakarta City Hall, on Friday (14/11). Now in its 12th year, this international festival adopted the theme “Awesome Mask”, highlighting masks as a living cultural identity rather than merely artistic artifacts.

Director of Solo International Performing Arts, Irawati Kusumosari, explained that masks carry rich philosophies passed down through various cultures in the archipelago and abroad. This year, IMF featured 21 artistic delegations, consisting of 15 from Indonesia and 6 international delegations from South Korea, Myanmar, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, and Thailand. Indonesian representatives came from Tegal, Banyumas, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Riau, Bali, Wonosobo, Jakarta, and the host city, Solo.

During the opening ceremony, Surakarta Mayor Respati Achmad Ardianto emphasized that IMF represents the creativity of Solo’s artistic ecosystem. He expressed hope that the festival would strengthen cultural collaboration across regions and countries and serve as a space for international dialogue.

IMF 2025 was warmly received and drew thousands of visitors, especially young audiences. The opening featured Studio Semarak Candra Kirana performing “Janma Krodha”, a choreography by Damasus Chrismas Verlananda and Febryan Danang Isyawara depicting four fundamental human traits. The atmosphere grew even livelier with a performance by Reog Singo Yogo from Ponorogo, starring young dancers.

One standout performance came from Cahwati Sugiarto of Banyumas, who presented the Tegal Cepak Mask Dance. The piece was born from her mission to revive the increasingly rare Tegal mask tradition. Inspired by Wayang Golek Cepak Tegalan, the work was developed through an extensive creative process of mask design and cultural study with her husband, artist Sri Waluyo.

To attract younger audiences, the IMF 2025 committee also invited the folk duo Banda Neira, whose appearance became a major highlight. The crowd filled Pendhapi Gedhe, singing along to their iconic songs such as “Sampai Jadi Debu” and “Yang Patah Tumbuh, Yang Hilang Berganti.”

In addition to the main performances, the festival featured a culinary and craft bazaar involving around 30 MSMEs from Solo and surrounding areas. All events were open to the public, offering an inclusive cultural experience.

Another key agenda item was the International Conference of the Indonesia Mask Organization (IMO), an academic forum that brought together artists, curators, academics, and mask collectors. Discussions centered on the development of contemporary performing arts, preservation of mask traditions, and cultural diplomacy in the digital era.

With its diverse performances and high public enthusiasm, IMF 2025 once again delivered a rich and memorable cultural experience, reinforcing Solo as a city committed to preserving and celebrating traditional arts on a global stage.

By , Alisa Noory