SINGARAJA, JurnalPost.com - Ahead of Youth Pledge Day, Indonesia's cultural diversity found a stage for expression at the GAPURA (Ganesha Panggung Ragam) Festival 2026. One performance that captured the audience's attention came from the Flores Student Association (HIMFLOR) Dance Troupe of Singaraja, who performed the creative dance Nong Mari Nong.
The performance took place at the Bung Karno Park Green Open Space (RTH) in Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali, on Saturday evening (24/10/2026).
Through a blend of traditional Flores movements, modern choreography, and dynamic musical accompaniment, seven students from the HIMFLOR Dance Troupe presented a performance that depicted the warmth and togetherness of the Flores community.
The seven dancers were Antonia Tere Payon, Maria Fatima Barek Bunga, Antonia Revaldina Lamaude, Agnes Sikka Krowe, Varisah Maretim Karaeng, Maria Oktaviani Sombo, and Elisabeth Owelsiani S. Lw.
For these students from Flores currently studying in Singaraja, this performance was more than just an opportunity to showcase their dancing skills. The festival stage also served as a space to introduce their regional cultural identity to a diverse audience.
Nong Mari Nong Dance as a Medium for Introducing Flores Culture
HIMFLOR Dance Coordinator, Antonia Tere Payon, explained that the choice of the creative dance Nong Mari Nong stemmed from the students' desire to introduce the richness of Flores' arts and culture through a performance accessible to the general public.
According to her, creativity in dance is one way for the younger generation to ensure that cultural heritage remains recognized and continues to evolve amidst changing times.
"We chose the 'Nong Mari Nong' creative dance because we wanted to present an engaging performance while introducing our artistic and cultural wealth to the public. Through this dance, we also want to show that the younger generation, especially students, has the spirit to maintain, preserve, and develop culture through creative dance," said Antonia Tere Payon on the sidelines of the event.
The Nong Mari Nong dance performed by HIMFLOR highlights the values of togetherness and warmth in the social life of the Flores community. These elements were translated through energetic movements, shifting formations, and the dancers' synchronization.
The concept of this performance was also tailored to the theme of GAPURA Fest 2026, namely "Diverse Colors in Harmony", which positions diversity as an integral part of communal life.
The fusion of traditional and modern elements was the dancers' choice to present a performance that remains rooted in culture while staying relevant to the artistic expressions of the younger generation.
Practicing for 11 Days Amidst Academic Commitments
Behind the performance, the members of the HIMFLOR Dance Troupe had to balance their academic activities with preparations for the show.
One of the dancers, Agnes Sikka Krowe, revealed that the preparation took 11 days. In that relatively short time, the dancers worked to synchronize their movements, build chemistry, and align their practice schedules with their respective lecture activities.
"We practiced for 11 days. During the process, the challenges we faced were unifying our movements, maintaining synchronization, and adjusting the practice schedules of each dancer. Despite various obstacles, we tried to support each other and work together to deliver our best performance," explained Agnes Sikka Krowe.
The practice process required not only the ability to master the choreography but also teamwork. Each dancer needed to understand their movements and positions to ensure the performance flowed seamlessly.
For the HIMFLOR members, the experience of preparing for the performance was also part of their learning process outside the classroom, particularly in building discipline, responsibility, and communication among students.
Nurturing Cultural Identity in a Foreign Land
The presence of the HIMFLOR Dance Troupe at GAPURA Fest 2026 demonstrates how students living away from home can maintain a connection to their regional culture.
Amidst campus life that brings together students from various regions of Indonesia, artistic activities serve as a means to learn about traditions and strengthen social bonds.
HIMFLOR dancer, Maria Oktaviani Sombo, hopes that such activities will continue to receive support from the Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) and the Singaraja community.
"Our hope is that through the 'Nong Mari Nong' creative dance performance, the university will continue to support arts and cultural activities carried out by students. We also hope that the people of Singaraja will increasingly recognize, appreciate, and love our arts and culture, and provide space for the younger generation to continue creating. For us, dancing is not just about the performance, but also a way to maintain togetherness and preserve culture," said Maria Oktaviani Sombo.
Through this performance, the students wanted to show that cultural preservation does not always have to be done in the same way from generation to generation. Traditional arts can also be developed through creativity without abandoning the values that define their identity.
The momentum leading up to Youth Pledge Day added special significance to the HIMFLOR performance. The spirit of unity in diversity was present not only through ceremonial activities but also through cultural encounters in public spaces.
For Flores students in Singaraja, the GAPURA Fest 2026 stage was an opportunity to bring a piece of their homeland's story to the people of Bali.
Through dance, they introduced Flores culture while building relationships with the environment where they pursue their education.
The performance of Nong Mari Nong served as a reminder that Indonesia's cultural diversity can continue to thrive when the younger generation is given the space to learn, study, and express it.
Author: Yohanes Don Bosko Rabha
Affiliation: Study Program of S1 Pancasila and Civic Education, Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha)
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