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Published on April 22, 2014

The Erau Cultural Festival to be held in the town of Tenggarong, capital of Kutai Kertanegara district in East Kalimantan from 15 – 22 June 2014, will feature rare cultural performances from the former kingdom of Kutai Kartanegara that saw its heydays in the 13th century. In addition there will be performances by the various Dayak ethnic groups of Borneo.

This year the event will include participation of 11 countries, members of the Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art (CIOFF) who will bring their own folk arts from the Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, Latvia, Russia, Croatia, the Philippines, South Korea, Columbia, Egypt and Bangladesh, said Head of the Culture and Tourism Office of Kutai Kertanegara, Sri Wahyuni, reported bisniswisata.com.

There will be 290 artists in the 11 contingents, who will arrive in Tenggarong on 14 June.

Last year, participating countries included folk art troupes from France, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Egypt, Greece, Belgium and the Chech Republic.

“Through this cultural exchange program held jointly in conjunction with the Erau Festival, there will be an exchange of understanding not only among participating cultures, but the combined effort will make of the Erau Festival a true national and international event, said Sri Wahyuni.

To reach Tenggarong, you must first fly to Balikpapan or Samarinda. Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and Srivijaya Air fly to Balikpapan from Jakarta,Surabaya, or other cities in Indonesia. From Samarinda take a taxi to Tenggarong.

Photo Courtesy http://agusmunoraharjo.blogspot.com/