Kelanawisata.id, Wonosobo – The Wonosobo Regency Government, through the Department of Tourism and Culture in collaboration with the Central Java Provincial Liaison Office, will hold the Wonosobo Arts Ambassador Performance at the Central Java Pavilion in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in Jakarta on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

During the event, the folk art performance “Kisah Perang Barong” will be the main attraction, presented by the Sanggar Setyo Langen Budoyo art troupe.

This event is part of the Wonosobo Regency Government’s efforts to introduce the region’s rich arts, culture, and potential to the broader public at the national level.

In addition to showcasing traditional arts, the event will also feature Wonosobo’s signature culinary delights, as well as an exhibition of products from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the region’s leading creative economy initiatives.

Through this series of activities, the public and visitors will not only be invited to enjoy cultural and artistic performances but will also have the opportunity to get to know Wonosobo’s culinary delights and diverse local products more closely.

This event also serves as a platform to promote the region’s tourism and creative economy potential through the collaboration of various regional agencies and business operators.

This Wonosobo Arts Ambassadors performance also invited the Regent and Deputy Regent of Wonosobo, the Chair of the Wonosobo Regency Regional People’s Representative Council, the Regional Secretary, the Head of the Central Java Provincial Department of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, the heads of regional agencies throughout Wonosobo Regency, the subdistrict heads throughout Wonosobo Regency, and representatives of Wonosobo’s regionally-owned enterprises.

In addition, invitations were also extended to the Wonosobo Family Association, Wonosobo community groups, and the Wonosobo Sedulur Association as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the Wonosobo community living abroad.

The presence of various representatives from provincial and local governments, community organizations, diaspora groups, and creative economy stakeholders is expected to strengthen collaboration in promoting Wonosobo’s tourism potential, culture, and signature products.

The “Barong War” performance to be presented is a creative adaptation of a segment from the Wonosobo Topeng Lengger art form.

This performance combines the characters of Barongan and Imblig, as well as mask characters such as Penthul, Tembem, Kacung, and Growong, into a cohesive, engaging storyline rich with life lessons.

The story centers on a boy named Parjo who experiences a harrowing ordeal after encountering Barongan. The villagers then work together to search for and rescue Parjo with the help of a community leader named Kyai Slamet. 

The conflict between the villagers and the Barongan culminates in a battle scene that is one of the show’s main attractions.

Beyond its visual spectacle and dynamic dance movements, the Barong War conveys several moral messages, including the importance of proper conduct, respecting the environment and community norms, prioritizing unity, and fostering a spirit of mutual cooperation in facing challenges.

This performance also depicts the life of the rural community in Wonosobo through various daily activities, the atmosphere of traditional markets, and the richness of local cuisine such as tempe kemul, mi ongklok, sega megana, and sagon.

Thus, the performance not only introduces traditional dance and characters but also presents a portrait of the identity and sociocultural life of the people of Wonosobo.

Fahmi Hidayat, Head of the Wonosobo Regency Tourism and Culture Office, stated on Monday, November 9, 2026, that the Wonosobo Regency Government’s participation in the “Duta Seni” performance at the Central Java Pavilion in TMII is a manifestation of its commitment to continuously promote and preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage.

“Through this Arts Ambassador Performance, we want to highlight that Wonosobo possesses a rich and diverse cultural heritage with noble values. The story of the Barong War is not merely a performance featuring spectacles and battles between the Barong and the villagers, but it also conveys a message of unity, mutual cooperation, wisdom, and the importance of upholding core values in society,” said Fahmi.

He added that this event is not only focused on promoting arts and culture but also serves as an opportunity to showcase the region’s potential more broadly—from traditional arts and local cuisine to Wonosobo’s premier MSME products.

Furthermore, this event provides a platform to bring together various segments of Wonosobo’s community, including residents who currently live and work outside their hometown.

“We specifically invite all members of the Wonosobo diaspora in Jakarta and the surrounding areas to attend and witness this Arts Ambassador Performance. This event is not only an opportunity to enjoy cultural performances from our hometown but also a chance to reconnect, strengthen bonds of brotherhood, and ease our longing for Wonosobo. Let’s come together to support our local artists and creative practitioners,” he added.

Through this event, the Wonosobo Regency Government hopes that traditional arts and culture will become better known and receive wider appreciation, while also opening up promotional and networking opportunities for local creative economy actors.

The synergy between the local government, artists, MSME actors, creative economy actors, and the diaspora community is expected to serve as a driving force in showcasing Wonosobo’s potential on a national level.

Come join us and liven up the Wonosobo Arts Ambassador Performance. Together, let’s explore our culture, enjoy local cuisine, support local MSME products, strengthen our bonds, and nurture our love for our homeland.***

Writen by Dimas D. Pradikta, Adyatama Parekraf Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Wonosobo
Curator: kelanawisata.id