RRI.CO.ID, Banyumas: The Banyumas Regency Youth, Sports, and Tourism Agency (Dinporabudpar) in Central Java Province continues its efforts to preserve regional arts and traditions, which are experiencing a decline in interest.

Muhammad Farid, a cultural analyst at the Agency, revealed that the Agency has classified several traditional arts as rare and endangered, including sintren, buncisan, and bongkel, among ten art forms declining in popularity.

Sintren is a traditional dance form native to the north coast of Java, steeped in mystical and magical elements. It tells the love story of Sulasih and Sulandono.

Buncisan is a dance performed by eight singers and dancers. While bongkel is a traditional musical instrument from Banyumas made from bamboo and is a type of angklung.

"Popular arts like Lengger, Kentongan, and Ebeg (leathered horse) still have a large following and are often performed by the community. However, certain traditional arts require more strategic preservation efforts," Farid explained on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The Agency promotes popular arts through festivals and performances. Efforts are underway to revive endangered arts through revitalization programs to ensure recognition and ownership by the Banyumas community.

The Agency strives to implement four main programs: protection, development, utilization, and cultural development. The protection program involves recording and documenting traditional arts to prevent historical loss.

"These arts are then developed and transformed into contemporary works to be accepted by the younger generation. They are also utilized for education and cultural tourism," he added.

The agency's cultural development program includes an arts residency program and masterclass workshops with cultural practitioners skilled in Banyumas traditional arts. The program will produce new works that are relevant to the local community and current developments.

Farid mentioned available honorariums for arts groups to support Banyumas culture. Studios and cultural communities can access these funds for performances. Dinporabudpar is also working with the Banyumas Regency Arts Council (KKB) to provide technical guidance for artists.

The local administration has also provided Taman Budaya Studio and tourist destinations for artistic expression. Performances and festivals are held regularly with local artists' involment.

"With adequate funding, facilities, and performance spaces, we hope that Banyumas arts and culture will endure," Farid concluded. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)