A dynamic showcase captivating tradition, creativity, and global artistry brought together in a single vibrant experience

Surakarta once again took center stage in the world of arts with the International Mask Festival (IMF) 2025, held on November 14–15, 2025. The festival took place at Pendhapi Gede Balaikota Surakarta, starting at 7:00 PM WIB, and was open to the public free of charge. Since its inaugural edition in 2014, IMF has grown into a prestigious annual cultural event, showcasing the richness of Indonesian mask art while providing a platform for cross-cultural exchange.

This year, IMF carried the theme “Awesome Mask,” emphasizing masks not only as visual art but also as symbols of emotional expression, identity, and the roles they represent in human life. The theme aimed to create a space for celebrating the cultural values embedded in mask art from across Indonesia and the world.

As a festival that bridges tradition and contemporary creativity, IMF 2025 offered a diverse and inspiring program. Visitors experienced mask dance performances, mask exhibitions, the Indonesia Mask Conference, and mask coloring workshops. A culinary and craft bazaar also accompanied the festival, enriching the event with Solo’s unique creative economy.

The festival was organized through collaboration between the Surakarta City Government and the Indonesia Mask Organization (IMO), an institution dedicated to preserving and developing mask art as an integral part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. This partnership reinforced IMF’s role as a platform for education, preservation, and cultural tourism promotion.

Indonesian mask art has deep historical roots and profound cultural significance across regions such as Cirebon, Malang, Yogyakarta, and Bali. Each area brings its own distinctive shapes, colors, movements, and symbolic messages. IMF brings these diverse traditions together on one stage, offering an experience that is visually captivating and culturally meaningful.

In addition to showcasing local talent, IMF 2025 invited international artists, making Surakarta a vibrant hub for global cultural exchange. The festival was also included in the list of 110 flagship events of Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2025, a national program by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia that highlights culturally significant events with strong local appeal and positive social impact. The International Mask Festival continues to affirm Indonesia as a country of living, creative, and inclusive cultural diversity.

photo source: eventdaerah.kemenparekraf.go.id/detail-event/international-mask-festival-imf

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