VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

International Mask Festival Exploring Togetherness in Diversity - 

Different from previous years, the International Mask Festival (IMF) is an annual international mask festival in the City of Solo which is held in a hybrid manner, namely online and offline. The event which has been held since 2014 tries to explore the spirit of the power of togetherness in diversity.

Deputy for Tourism Products and Event Organizers, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Rizki Handayani said IMF 2021 as a performing arts event to explore the wealth of mask art in Indonesia by involving mask artists from abroad in a spectacular stage and not to miss this activity can make mask art as a means to establish cultural relations between nations.

"The IMF is expected not only to attract local and foreign tourists, but to create a spirit of love, preserving and developing masks as cultural heritage and not to be left behind as a cultural event to establish and enhance diplomatic relations between the city of Solo and other cities in Indonesia as well as between Indonesia and the United States. other countries," Rizki said in his written statement.

He also added that the uniqueness of the 2021 IMF, apart from being held in a hybrid manner, was the sale of Indonesian MSME creative products, mask dance competitions through the TikTok application and quizzes and it was hoped that there would be direct interaction between the organizers and the audience.

"IMF 2020, which was held virtually, got more than 10,000 viewers for two days. It is hoped that the 2021 IMF will reach 20,000 viewers," said Rizki.

Meanwhile, IMF 2021 Chief Executive, Mimi Zulaikha explained, IMF 2021 will be held in a hybrid manner, namely online and offline. For offline activities, the Indonesian delegation will perform live and watched by a limited audience at Ndalem Purwohamijayan, Solo. And for online events, Indonesian and foreign delegates display their works through video performances.

"Both types of shows will be broadcast live streaming on the SIPA Festival YouTube channel on Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12, 2021 starting at 15.00 WIB. IMF 2021 begins with showing videos of performances by Indonesian and foreign delegates who cannot attend the venue. Live performances Indonesian delegation with limited audience starts at 19.30 WIB," he said.

The Ministry of Tourism and Economy appreciates the implementation of the 2021 Indonesia Mask Festival, which can be said to be unique because it is a personalized, special interest thematic event but is presented with an Entertainment concept that can be enjoyed by a wide audience. Thus, despite regulating the movement of tourists with a strict CHSE (Cleanliness, Healthy, Safety and Environment Sustainability) protocol, this event is still able to drive the creative economy broadly.

This is in accordance with the direction of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Sandiaga Uno) so that in carrying out the event, the content must be localized, personalized, customized, and smaller in size. Localize, raise local potential, be authentic and provide benefits to local communities. Second, Personalize, give an impression. Third, Customize, where the target audience and specifications must be clear. Lastly, Smaller in Size, a form of limited activity, hybrid and strengthened awareness campaigns.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, said that in the implementation of the event there are three other things that must be considered. First, Relevant. The theme must be related to current conditions, such as the issue of health care. Second, Digitalize. It is digital with the latest technology and is close to millennials. Third, Sustainable. Must pay attention to environmental, cultural and economic sustainability//Release - VOI