Six countries to participate in East Kalimantan's folklore festival

Samarinda, July 23 (ANTARA) - Art groups from six countries are scheduled to take part in the East Borneo International Folklore Festival (EBIFF) scheduled on July 25-30 this year, according to the East Kalimantan Provincial Tourism Office.

"Six countries that have confirmed their readiness to participate in the EBIFF are Bulgaria, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, Poland, and the United States," head of the tourism office Ririn Sari Dewi remarked in Samarinda on Tuesday.

Dewi then elaborated on the art groups, stating that the international festival will draw participation from Bulgaria's Slavey, Egypt's TW-EGY Folk Troupe, Japan's Emotional Taiko Project, South Korea's Arts in Busan, Poland's Warszawianka, and Bailey Mountain Cloggers from the US.

A total of 132 international delegates will perform during the folklore festival.

The office head noted that in addition to foreign delegates, the EBIFF would also witness the performances of domestic art groups from various regions across Indonesia, such as Southeast Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Yogyakarta, North Kalimantan, Bangka Belitung, and Jakarta.

She remarked that East Kalimantan, the host province, will be represented by art groups and communities from Paser, Kutai Kartanegara, Berau, Balikpapan, Samarinda, and North Penajam Paser.

Dewi further highlighted that the EBIFF would be centered at three locations in Samarinda City, namely the Kadrie Oening Sports Hall, Termindung Creative Hub, and the Office of the East Kalimantan Governor.

The official also explained that the EBIFF is an event that will feature a cultural parade and art performances and take participants to several locations, including the Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque.

Apart from the festival, she stated that the East Kalimantan government is also planning to organize the 2024 Kaltim (East Kalimantan) Expo on July 25-30 and the Kaltim Travel Fair on July 25-28 in Samarinda.