RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian musical group Ki Ageng Ganjur has been honored with the prestigious award for The Preservation Development and Promotion of Traditional Music Performance at the International Folklore Festival Boysun Bahori. Held from May 1–3, 2026, in the mountainous region of Boysun, Uzbekistan, the festival recognized the group for its innovative approach to heritage.

Leader of Ki Ageng Ganjur, Ngatawi Al Zastrouw, received the award, trophy, and a cash prize directly from the Head of the Boysun Region (Hokim). "We are grateful for this award. It is a surprise because we did not expect to receive an award at all," Zastrouw said on Monday, May 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The festival jury lauded Ki Ageng Ganjur for their unique ability to bridge cultural eras, citing several key reasons for their recognition. Their work in creative conservation was highly praised, as the group’s compositions extract deep traditional elements and blend them seamlessly with modern musical structures.

The award also serves as a testament to their decades of consistency, honoring a 30-year journey dedicated to exploring and developing Indonesian traditional music. Furthermore, the group was recognized for their innovative performance style, having been specifically cited as pioneers in advancing the presentation of traditional music on a global stage.

This victory marks a significant milestone as it was Indonesia’s first-ever participation in the Boysun Bahori Festival. Head of Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI), Sintia Christian Saeh called the win a proud surprise.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, also extended her congratulations. She noted that the award is a form of global recognition for Indonesian culture, celebrating the group for successfully bringing national traditions to a world-class stage.

Organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Uzbek government, the festival is a biennial event that highlights global cultural diversity. This year’s participants included 39 countries, such as Germany, Japan, Greece, and the United States.

The festival's primary goals focus on the preservation and safeguarding of folk arts and traditional rituals from across the globe. By fostering intercultural dialogue, the event seeks to strengthen relationships and build mutual respect between nations through these shared cultural experiences.

Additionally, the festival provides a crucial platform for global visibility, ensuring that unique regional traditions are showcased and appreciated by an international audience. ***