Exceeding the Minister's Expectations
BANYUWANGI – Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) was spectacular yesterday (11/11). According to the theme, that is “Majestic Ijen”, ethnic carnival which is one of a series of Banyuwangi Festival (B-Fest) 2017, it is able to present the feel of the majesty of Mount Ijen through the costumes and choreography of the performers.
The accompaniment music which was performed live also added to the magnificent atmosphere at the starting arena for the cultural carnival event, the pride of the people of Bumi Blambangan.. This time, the BEC raised three sub-themes, that is “Sulfur, Landscape Ijen, and Blue Fire aka blue fire.
Participants who are members of the Sulfur march display dominant yellow costumes. While the costumes for the Ijen Landscape and Blue Fire parade participants, each dominated by green and blue.
The show begins with a fragment of sulfur mining at Ljen. Narrated, Sulfur mining on a mountain which is famous for its enchanting blue fire phenomenon, that started since colonial times. Sulfur miners worked under colonial supervision and pressure.
Years ago, The Netherlands was defeated by Japan. Until finally Indonesia became independent in 17 August – 1945. At the beginning of independence, Sulfur mining on Mount Ilen was stopped. Mining was only resumed in the mid-1960s until now.
Meanwhile, show core BEC begins with displaying child BEC defile. Children all over Banyuwangi, it displays costumes with the theme of flora and fauna in Ijen. After defile the child's BEC, it's time for the adult BEC talents to show their skills.
The talents who joined the Sulfur march, Landscape Ijen, dan Blue fire, continued to entertain the audience. The audience watching around the location of the BEC booth this time was amazed. The proof, the invitees were reluctant to leave their seats and chose to watch BEC 2017 to completion.
Likewise the general audience who watched the BEC while standing. They seemed to really enjoy the appearance of the BEC talents this time. Meanwhile, two ministers came directly to watch the BEC show yesterday.
The two ministers are coordinating ministers (Coordinating Minister) Indonesian Culture and Human Development Coordinator Puan Maharani and Indonesian Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya.
Madam said, BEC is able to present a spectacular dish. He also admitted that he was fascinated by the creativity of all elements related to BEC. “This event exceeded my expectations. Very good and spectacular," he said.
Meanwhile, tourism Minister (Menpar) RI Arief Yahya said, BEC is a Banyuwangi local event that has been selected to enter the national event calendar. It says, Banyuwangi is one of the cities that has contributed the most calendar of events, exactly three event calendars.
The three events are BEC, ITdBI, and the Gandrung Sewu Festival. “It's rare for a region to be able to send three candidates in the national calendar of events,” he praised.
Arief added, even if Banyuwangi experienced a change of leadership, he hopes that the B-Fest event will continue to be held. Because, B-Fest has proven to have a positive impact on Banyuwangi.
“Ministry of Tourism (Ministry of Tourism) RI swiftly supports. The Menpar is from Banyuwangi,” he said.
Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas said, BEC is one of 72 B-Fest events held by the district government throughout this year. As well as being a tourist attraction, BEC is also a means of encouraging mutual cooperation and community participation in developing Banyuwangi.
“That way residents will be moved to participate in providing the best for Banyuwangi. Although seven years held, this event is still busy watching and the participants continue to expand until we limit it,” he concluded. (radar)
