UBUD, balitourismnow.com – The Nusantara International Folklore Festival (NIFF) 2026 returned to Ubud, Bali, on 26–27 September 2026. Held under the theme “Global Rhythms, Shared Stories,” the festival brought together Indonesian arts groups with artists and cultural communities from Japan, New Zealand, Poland, and Thailand.
Taking place at the Museum Puri Lukisan in Ubud, NIFF 2026 featured traditional arts performances, workshops, and opportunities for cultural exchange.
The programme showcased a wide range of Indonesian traditional arts, including Balinese, Javanese, Sundanese, Minangkabau, and Dayak dances, alongside Nihon Buyo from Japan, an orchestra from Poland, traditional dance from Thailand, and Kapa Haka from New Zealand.
NIFF Festival Director & Co-Founder Sita Tyasutami said the festival is a continuation of the Jakarta International Folklore Festival, which was first held at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, in 2019.
After being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival returned independently in Ubud with the launch of NIFF in 2025. This year marks the festival’s second edition.
Sita said Bali was chosen because of its strong appeal to participants and audiences from Indonesia and abroad.
“We originally planned for the festival to move from one city to another each year. However, we feel we still need at least one more year in Bali, in 2027. NIFF is still relatively new, so we need to establish its name and brand first and build greater awareness before moving to other cities,” Sita said.
Folklore as a Living Tradition
NIFF 2026 Curator Jasmine Okubo said the festival views folklore not as a tradition frozen in the past, but as a living part of culture that continues to evolve with society.
“Folklore is part of a culture that continues to develop alongside the people who live it. We therefore do not want to be overly rigid about traditional forms,” she said.
This year, NIFF brought together arts groups from Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Indramayu, Dharmasraya, Palangka Raya, Dompu, and Bali, along with international participants from four countries.
Beyond performances, the festival also featured workshops designed to introduce participants to different artistic traditions. The programme included Solah Masolah, Kecak Collaboration, Jaimasan Dance, Fingernail Dance from Thailand, and Māori Dance & Kapa Haka from New Zealand.
On 26 September, featured performers included Panca Artha Bali, Maria Darmaningsih, Nadarzyn Orchestra from Poland, Kimiko Wakayagi from Japan, and Wairea Performing Arts from New Zealand.
The 27 September programme featured PAKASA Bali, Sirisook Dance Theatre from Thailand, Kimiko Wakayagi, Wairea Performing Arts, Nadarzyn Orchestra, I Wayan Dibia, and KunoKini.
A Space for Cultural Exchange
NIFF Artistic Director & Co-Founder Maria Darmaningsih said the festival provides a platform for Indonesian and international arts groups to connect through performances and cultural experiences.
“When we dance, we do not highlight our differences. Instead, we see that we are all human and share the same humanity,” she said.
According to Maria, the participation of international arts groups also gives Indonesian artists opportunities to experience and learn about traditions from other countries without necessarily having to travel abroad.
NIFF also seeks to engage local Balinese arts communities. The organisers have collaborated with groups including Panca Artha, Bumi Bajra, Kerta Art, Sasi Wimba, PAKASA Bali, and Soul of Melanesian.
Sita hopes NIFF will continue to grow and attract more arts groups from Indonesia and around the world.
“We hope NIFF will continue to grow, with more international participants as well as groups from across Indonesia. We want to see communities from Sabang to Merauke, each bringing their own unique traditions and perspectives,” she said.