Thailand and Brunei are expected to take part in future editions of Wonderful Nusantara Festival.
Johor unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said this year’s festival was made more vibrant with the inclusion of Singapore.
Raven Kumar: Johor’s vision is for the festival to become a signature event in the region.
The trilateral cultural event, organised by Johor Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the consulates of Indonesia and Singapore, was held at Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex in Johor Baru.
“The festival, aimed at showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the Nusantara region, featured traditional cuisines, cultural performances and displays of ethnic attire from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
“With the addition of Singapore, this year’s festival was even more exciting and we are hopeful that next year, we can bring in Thailand and eventually Brunei in 2026,” said Raven Kumar.
He said the growth reflected Johor government’s vision for the festival to become a signature event, drawing participants from across South-East Asia and enhancing its significance as a cultural highlight for Visit Johor Year 2026.
He highlighted that the festival also saw a high level of participation from school and university students, underscoring its role in promoting cultural awareness among younger generations.
“We hope this exposure provides students with valuable insights and knowledge about Nusantara’s diverse heritage,” he said.
The main goal of the festival, he added, was not only to celebrate the unique art and cultures of the region but also to deepen trilateral cultural ties among Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
“The festival also aims to inspire a broader appreciation for the shared history and heritage of these nations while encouraging cross-border cooperation in cultural development,” said Raven Kumar.
Sigit: The event fosters communication, unity and friendship between countries.
Indonesian Consul-General in Johor Baru Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto said this year’s highlight was the traditional fashion show featuring attire from across the Indonesian archipelago including Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Bali, Sulawesi and Papua.
“It is a great honour for me to be here for the second Wonderful Nusantara Festival.
“This has now become an annual event. Last year’s programme was aimed at preserving our shared cultural heritage among youth.
“This is more than just a cultural celebration; it fosters communication, unity and friendship that can lead to a vibrant, interconnected future for our region,” said Sigit.
Tan: Nusantara festival highlights three nations’ unique yet interconnected histories.
He added that this year’s festival welcomed primary and secondary school students, reflecting a commitment to nurturing an appreciation for Nusantara heritage among the younger generation.
Singapore’s Consul in Johor Baru Timothy Tan Jia Jie said the festival featured vibrant cultural performances and highlighted the unique yet interconnected histories of these neighbouring nations.
“The special bond between the three countries – Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia – is, as many say, ‘satu rumpun’, like a big family.
“We share many similarities, yet each of us has unique characteristics.
“This is the wonderful spirit of the Nusantara, a melting pot of cultural gold,” he said. — By REMAR NORDIN
