An enchanting fusion of culture, music, and glowing skies awaits in the heart of the Dieng highlands

The Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) returns on August 23–24, 2025, carrying the theme “Back to the Culture.” Now in its fifteenth edition, the festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Dieng Plateau while inviting the public to reconnect with traditional values. This year marks a significant change, as the iconic Jazz Atas Awan performance will be replaced by the Dieng Symphony Orchestra, delivering a grand musical experience amid the breathtaking scenery of Dieng. As in previous years, the release of thousands of lanterns will remain one of the most anticipated highlights.

The festival is open to all, with limited access only for two main events: the Ritual of Shaving Dreadlocked Children at Arjuna Temple and the Dieng Symphony Orchestra at the Pandawa Stage. To enrich the experience, organizers have also prepared two additional stages—Sembadra Stage and Gatotkaca Stage—both freely accessible to visitors.

On the first day, August 23, the festival begins with the Dieng Clean-Up Action at 7:00 a.m. Visitors can explore the MSME Bazaar at the Setyaki Venue and the Traditional MSME Bazaar at the Gatotkaca Venue from 9:00 a.m. onwards. Between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Traditional Art Performances will be presented at both Arjuna and Gatotkaca Venues, followed by the official opening of DCF 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gatotkaca Venue. In the evening, Pandawa Field opens at 5:30 p.m. for Symphony Dieng audiences, featuring art performances, a mystery guest appearance, and the orchestra from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., culminating in the lantern release until 11:00 p.m.

On the second day, August 24, activities again begin with the Dieng Clean-Up Action at 7:00 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., the Cultural Parade sets off from the Traditional Leader’s House to Arjuna Temple. The MSME Bazaar continues throughout the day, adding vibrancy to the festival. The main highlight is the Jamasan and the Ritual of Shaving Dreadlocked Children at Arjuna Temple, followed by the Ngalap Berkah ritual and the floating of hair at Telaga Balai Kambang. In the afternoon, visitors can enjoy more Traditional Art Performances, Cultural Discussions, and the Cultural Stage at Gatotkaca Venue until evening.

More than just a cultural event, DCF serves as a gathering space for locals and visitors from across Indonesia and abroad. Traditions like the shaving of dreadlocked children carry deep spiritual significance, believed to bring blessings, while the cultural parade embodies unity and the preservation of ancestral heritage. With its blend of art, tradition, culinary experiences, and the natural beauty of the highlands, DCF 2025 promises to be a cultural celebration that strengthens the bond between people and their cherished heritage.

photo source: eventdaerah.kemenparekraf.go.id

#Dieng Culture Festival 2025 #Dieng Symphony Orchestra #lantern release Dieng #cultural festival in Central Java #traditional art performances Dieng #dreadlocked children hair cutting ritual #cultural parade Dieng #MSME bazaar Dieng #Dieng clean-up action #Arjuna Temple cultural event #Gatotkaca stage performances #Sembadra stage shows #cultural heritage celebration Indonesia #mountain cultural festival #traditional rituals in Dieng #highland cultural tourism #Back to the Culture theme #Jamasan ceremony Dieng #Ngalap Berkah ritual #Dieng Plateau tourism event #media #article #rsvp clique