Bandung City Secretary Iskandar Zulkarnain said the angklung is more than a traditional musical instrument, describing it as a symbol of unity that embodies the values of mutual cooperation, tolerance, and harmony.
"The festival shows Indonesia and the world that Bandung is not only a creative, educational, and tourism city but also one that preserves its cultural roots with commitment and responsibility," Iskandar said on Saturday.
He said the philosophy of the angklung demonstrates how differences can become a source of strength when brought together in a spirit of cooperation.
Preserving the instrument, he added, requires more than ensuring its continued existence. Efforts must also focus on keeping it actively played, studied, appreciated, and relevant to younger generations.
"The angklung teaches cooperation, togetherness, and tolerance. Differences are not meant to divide people but to be united into a collective strength," he said.
Adi Junjunan Mustafa, head of Bandung's Culture and Tourism Agency, said the Bandung Angklung City Festival has reached its fifth year since the city was declared a center for angklung preservation.
This year's event was preceded by a month-long "Road to Bandung Angklung City Festival" series held throughout May 2026 at five shopping centers: Bandung Indah Plaza, Cihampelas Walk, The Botanica Mall Bandung, Summarecon Mall Bandung, and Festival Citylink.
A total of 57 angklung groups participated in the pre-festival events, attracting around 1,000 visitors across the venues, Adi said.
He said the festival is more than an arts performance, describing it as a collective movement to safeguard cultural heritage while strengthening Bandung's identity as a center of angklung culture.
"As a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage, the angklung is not only a traditional instrument but also a representation of cooperation, tolerance, and togetherness. Its preservation as part of Bandung's identity must continue," he said.
Adi said he hopes Bandung's position as Indonesia's Angklung City will be further reinforced through broader recognition and collaboration involving government institutions, community groups, educational organizations, and the public.
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Translator: Rubby JP, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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