Ciamis Revives Biennial Nyiar Lumar Tradition at Astana Gede Kawali

RRI.CO.ID, Ciamis - The Ciamis Regency Government revived the biennial Nyiar Lumar cultural tradition at the Astana Gede Kawali Cultural Heritage Site. The historical event was held in Ciamis Regency, West Java, on Saturday night, 5 September 2026.

Thousands of visitors attended the traditional gathering following a temporary hiatus in recent years. First established in 1998, the event preserves the historical heritage of the ancient Galuh Kingdom through community-led initiatives.

The tradition was paused in 2020 and 2024 before returning through strong local cooperation and public funding. Regent of Ciamis Herdiat Sunarya praised local artists, cultural figures, and community members for reviving the heritage celebration.

He emphasized that collective action plays a crucial role in safeguarding regional history while boosting local tourism potential. He highlighted the importance of packaging future cultural events to attract larger domestic and international audiences.

“The synergy and spirit of mutual cooperation shown tonight are truly extraordinary,” he said.

The 2026 Nyiar Lumar festival featured 18 artistic performances presented by various local art collectives and community groups. Cultural regeneration was highlighted as approximately 300 primary to senior high school students participated in the performances.

The direct involvement of young students transformed the cultural site into an active learning space for regional history. Special Staff for Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations of Indonesia's Ministry of Culture, Anissa Rengganis, attended the gathering.

Representing Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, she praised the consistent efforts of local citizens to protect national culture. She noted that Ciamis holds around 1,200 historical sites that strengthen the narrative of Sunda Galuh civilization.

Indonesia's Ministry of Culture encourages regional authorities to propose local heritage sites for priority national preservation status. Regional officials will continue evaluating the event to maximize its cultural and economic benefits for surrounding communities.