JFFE 2022: Re-Emphasize the Importance of Collaboration in the Development of a Festival City Ecosystem

Yogyakarta, 21 November 2022 – The Jogja Festivals Forum & Expo (JFFE) will be back at Pendopo Royal Ambarrukmo on 24-25 November 2022. Unlike previous years, this edition of JFFE will focus on the theme of strengthening the festival's regional foundation in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in order to realize the "City of Festivals". JFFE 2022 is supported by the Provincial Tourism Agency of the  Special Region of Yogyakarta, Ambarrukmo Group, and Jogja Event Actors (PEJ).

JFFE 2022 is an event initiated by Jogja Festivals (JOGFEST), a strategic platform for the first festival ecosystem in Indonesia. Jogja Festivals have been established in Yogyakarta by 15 pioneering Yogyakarta festivals since 21 September, 2014, before being inaugurated on 9 March, 2017. Jogja Festivals is currently home to more than 70 festivals in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

In order to strengthen the festival ecosystem network, the implementation of JFFE 2022 will take the theme of strengthening the festival ecosystem on regional issues of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. This sees the potential for festivals in the Special Region of Yogyakarta as a catalyst for the creative economy that is able to revive the economy and revitalize tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Various issues related to strengthening the festival ecosystem will be thoroughly discussed over two days through various JFFE 2022 event programs. The first day of JFFE 2022 (24/11) will focus on discussion programs and festival forums such as symposium, Focused Group Discussion (FGD), and talkshow. The symposium on the first day will invite speakers from institutions inside and outside the Special Region of Yogyakarta through a discussion entitled "Festival in the Past, Present, and Future". Furthermore, a Focused Group Discussion will be held to compile "Draft Legislation as a Legal Umbrella for Festivals and Events in the Special Region of Yogyakarta''. Talkshow: Srawung Festival entitled "Festival Funding & Policy'' will also discuss the issue of funding which is important in building an ideal festival ecosystem. The first day ended with JOGJASHARE #4: Basic Lighting Workshop to provide knowledge about lighting arrangement which is expected to improve the ability of lighting designers for event activists in Yogyakarta.

If the first day is focused on discussions, the second day (25/11) of JFFE will be a forum for festivals to meet directly and network with stakeholders through the 1-on-1 Meeting program and Social Networking Event, at the Royal Ambarrukmo Hall. JFFE 2022 will also be enlivened by the Festival Expo which can be visited by the public during both days of the event. As the closing of JFFE 2022, Javanese Afternoon Tea Ceremony "Patehan" will be held with stakeholders as well as a Festival Gigs which will feature various artistic performances from festival actors who are members of JFFE 2022.

JFFE 2022 programs can be accessed by the public offline at the Royal Ambarrukmo Hall and online. The latest information regarding JFFE 2022 can also be accessed via Instagram @jogjafestivals. JFFE 2022 is also supported by Kantor Lurah Ideaworks, Gmedia, and Jogja Seafood. See you at the Jogja Festivals Forum & Expo on 24-25 November 2022 at the Royal Ambarrukmo Hall!

“I, on behalf of the Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, welcome the holding of JFFE 2022 intended as a meeting space for festival stakeholders, both from inside and outside of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Hopefully this event can be utilized for mutual discussion in order to identify problems and resolutions related to organizing festivals in Indonesia which can directly or indirectly contribute to strengthening the ideals of strengthening Yogyakarta's position on the map of world festival cities.”

Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta

“This year's JFFE is the fourth year, meaning that the burden for JFFE is getting heavier because it has been going on for four years, meaning there is hope from all festival actors in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in particular and Indonesia in general, that we really look forward to the JFFE outputs because they are in accordance with Jogja Festivals Studies research that the festival will provide three benefits in outline. The first, of course, for Yogyakarta will bring tourists to Yogyakarta, increasing the number of tourism. Then, the second is that the festival will also open up networking opportunities for festival actors throughout the Special Region of Yogyakarta, nationally and internationally. And the third, last but not least, is the economic multiple-effect for all the people of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.”

KPH Purbodiningrat, Advisor of Jogja Festivals

“Through a series of events that have been prepared, this year's JFFE will focus on strengthening the festival ecosystem in Yogyakarta. And through JFFE, it is hoped that it will become a forum for collaboration and opportunities to establish cooperation with festival organizers and business people.”

Heri Pemad, Charman of Jogja Festivals

(IGD/HIM/AKB)