SIPA 2026 Urges Surakarta as a Global Cultural City

RRI.CO.ID, Surakarta – Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) 2026 is set to bring together artists from various countries and regions across Indonesia, further strengthening Surakarta’s position as a global cultural city. Now entering its 18th edition, SIPA serves as a meeting point for artists from different cultural backgrounds through dance, music, and theater performances.

Carrying the theme “Kinetic Kinship: Beyond Boundaries,” SIPA 2026 explores connections between people and cultures that continue to move beyond geographical and traditional boundaries. The theme is reflected through artistic works that bring diverse cultural identities together on a single stage.

SIPA 2026 involves 16 artistic groups from five countries and nine regions across Indonesia. International participants come from New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Malaysia, bringing diverse artistic approaches and cultural perspectives.

The international delegations include Ohinemataroa from New Zealand; Nomadart and Company Jayu from South Korea; Seed Dance Company from Taiwan; Syurei by Ryukyu Arts Embassy and Company Danzak from Japan; Universiti Malaysia Sabah from Malaysia; and KITA! 1010 SEPTET from Japan. Their participation expands opportunities for cultural exchange while enriching the artistic experience for audiences.

From Indonesia, SIPA 2026 features Mangkunegaran and Smara Tantra from Surakarta, Gaung Marawa and Sanggar Seni TITIAN AKA from West Sumatra, AYI Dance from Papua, Gigi Art of Dance from Jakarta, Komunitas Seni Hitam Putih from Padang Panjang, Aceh Performing Art from Aceh, and Sanggar Bunga Rosina from Riau. The diversity of participants highlights the richness of Indonesia’s performing arts within an international festival.

SIPA 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 10 to 12, 2026, at Pamedan Pura Mangkunegaran in Surakarta. The festival is also part of the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026, a Ministry of Tourism program that features selected leading events across Indonesia.

Through SIPA 2026, Surakarta is not only serving as a venue for performances but also as a space for cultural dialogue among artists and communities from diverse backgrounds. SIPA is expected to continue serving as a global platform for collaboration, strengthening the arts ecosystem while introducing Indonesia’s cultural richness to international audiences.