Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Yogyakarta once again shows its existence on the international stage through its participation in 11th International Folk Dance Festival (TARI’25) which was held by Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) Malaysia at November 20-23, 2025. This participation is a sign that the cooperation between ISI Yogyakarta and ASWARA continues to be closely intertwined, especially in the development of traditional performing arts in the Asian region.
This year, the festival presents a lineup of renowned art institutions from various Asian countries. Besides ISI Yogyakarta, there are also ASWARA Malaysia, Guangxi Arts University (China), Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Hanoi College of Arts (Vietnam), University of the Philippines Diliman (Philippines), ISBI Bandung, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Malaysia, Arts and Culture Association Timor Furak (Timor Leste), Istana Budaya Malaysia, Sri Warisan Som Said (Singapore), and Ceylon Dance Foundation (Sri Lanka). This diversity of participants makes TARI’25 a rich cultural encounter as well as a place to expand professional networks in the field of dance.
During the four days of implementation, ISI Yogyakarta delegates followed a number of important agendas, including performances, seminars, workshops, and gala nights. On November 20, the Dance Department of ISI Yogyakarta presented a work of “Candra Bawera” work of Lecturer of Dance Department Dra. Setyastuti, M.Sn. at Experimental Theater ASWARA. The dance highlighted the strength of Yogyakarta folk dance character through lively movement dynamics and strong traditional nuances. On the same day, ISI representatives also became speakers at an international seminar that brought together academics from across the country.
It culminated in November 22-23, ISI Yogyakarta's Dance Department is back in the spotlight at the gala night at Zepp Kuala Lumpur by presenting the work of “Beksan Nirbaya”, also created by Lecturer of Dance Department Dra. Setyastuti, M.Sn. This performance was even more special because it was enriched by a musical collaboration with Malaysian Traditional Orchestra and National Symphonic Orchestra. The synergy of orchestral music and Yogyakarta dance aesthetics creates a grand stage that showcases the depth of Indonesian traditional arts.
The ISI Yogyakarta contingent consisted of lecturers and students: Dr. Suryati, M.Hum; Dr. I Nyoman Cau Arsana, S.Sn., M.Hum; Dindin Heryadi, M.Sn; Dra. Setyastuti, M.Sn; Icha Fikri Kurniawan; Raihan Putra Tulus Pambudi; Dhanurwenda Kintaka Hastra; Nurma Mitzuhu Nurika; Imelda Dhea Invioleta; and Wilujeng Dwi Amanda. Their involvement not only made the institution proud, but also provided valuable experience in expanding academic and artistic horizons in the international arena.
