Batang Art Festival with "Babad Alas Roban" Show Culture and Artistic Wealth

Batang Kartininews.com - Batang Regent M. Faiz Kurniawan officially opened the Batang Art Festival (BAF) 2026, themed "Babat Alas Roban", on Veteran Street in Batang, Batang Regency, on Saturday evening (June 27, 2026). The art festival provides a space for expression for local artists while serving as an effort to strengthen the cultural identity of Batang Regency through performances that highlight local history and wisdom.

The event drew large crowds of local residents who packed the venue to watch a variety of artistic performances, ranging from traditional dances and painting exhibitions to theatrical shows depicting the journey and cultural values of Alas Roban.

Batang Regent M. Faiz Kurniawan stated that the theme "Babat Alas Roban" was chosen because it holds strong historical value and is already widely known by the public.

“The Alas Roban area is now increasingly popular at the national level, one example being through a film that tells its story and has successfully attracted millions of viewers. Alas Roban Batang is now known nationwide. Through this BAF with the theme Babat Alas Roban, we want to introduce the richness of Batang’s arts and culture to a wider audience,” he said.

He views BAF not merely as entertainment but also as a momentum for the revival of regional arts and culture, involving various creative communities in Batang Regency.

“I believe tonight marks a moment for Batang’s future — a momentum for the revival of the arts of the Alas Roban community. We must continue to support the creativity of artists so that local culture remains preserved while also evolving with the times,” he explained.

The Regent also appreciated the enthusiasm of the public who filled the Veteran Street area to watch the entire series of performances. According to him, the high level of public participation shows that arts and culture still hold an important place in the lives of Batang residents.

“This festival features various works by local artists, including dance performances, painting, and theater that tell folk stories and the history of Babat Alas Roban. These performances are presented collaboratively as a form of cultural preservation and as a space for the younger generation to showcase their creativity,” he said.

The Batang Regency Government hopes that BAF can become an annual cultural agenda capable of strengthening regional identity while supporting the development of the creative economy and tourism sectors.

“I officially declare the BAF with the theme 'Babat Alas Roban' open. I hope the entire series of activities runs smoothly and brings benefits to the community as well as the advancement of arts and culture in Batang Regency,” he said.

Through the organization of BAF, the Batang Regency Government hopes to create more spaces for appreciation for local artists while introducing the richness of Batang’s culture to a wider audience, as part of efforts to build a creative, cultured, and competitive region.

Babad Alas Roban Depicts the Spirit of Development in Batang Regency

The Batang Art Festival (BAF), which has become a spectacular biennial event of the Regional Arts Council (DKD), drew the attention of thousands of spectators. The aesthetic presentation themed "Babad Alas Roban" served as a medium for artists to depict the spirit of the leader and the people working together to clear negative elements in the development process.

The spectacular performances mesmerized the audience and inspired the Batang Regency Government to prepare to include the event in the national calendar. Dozens of performers from music, dance, visual arts, and literature took part in enlivening the 7th BAF, held along Veteran Street in Batang, on Saturday evening (June 27, 2026).

Regent M. Faiz Kurniawan was impressed as he watched the event and praised the creativity of Batang’s artists in expressing their works across various segments. The 7th BAF was truly extraordinary because it elevated deeply rooted traditions in the community and presented them in a high-quality manner.

Regarding the alignment with the theme "Babad Alas Roban", Faiz expressed appreciation because Alas Roban is very close to the hearts of the people of Pantura Batang.

“This can strengthen the character of the community and further introduce Batang on a broader scale,” he said.

Meanwhile, Batang DKD Chairman Achmad Suroso expressed gratitude for the plan to elevate BAF to the national stage. In terms of diversity, the 7th BAF committee presented 16 performers, including dances depicting the grandeur of Alas Roban, music of various genres, and murals by Batang visual artists.

“His response was outstanding. After seeing this traditional art of Batang, it will be elevated to the national level. Thorough preparation has resulted in artworks that captivate the audience,” he said.

Regarding the choice of the theme "Babad Alas Roban", Achmad Suroso explained that it is a symbol closely attached to the people of Batang Regency.

“Here, 'Babad' means clearing out elements that could disrupt the development of Batang Regency, which is being led by Mr. Faiz and Mr. Suyono, and this is expressed through artistic works,” he explained.

To enliven BAF 2026, residents of Batang and surrounding areas can enjoy a variety of performances over two days.

“On the first day, there are various traditional arts from Sanggar Prastikasmara, Merti Desa, Putra Budaya, Jagadita, Sendiko Laras, monologues and poetry, as well as an ethnic music performance by Neosantara feat. Four G,” he said.

For music lovers, the BAF 2026 committee is ready to present bands from various genres. They are also featuring bands that have long wanted to perform at BAF, including Stagger, Leydenk, D7, Batang Blues, Chicase, and Paguyuband.