From Gandrung Statue to the Gandrung Sewu: Approaching Two Decades of Cultural Policy in Banyuwangi (2000-2019)

Abstract

This article aims to explain the government’s policy of Banyuwangi regarding the cultural matters for two decades (2000-2019). The explanation will begin with Gandrung being chosen to be the mascot of Banyuwangi. The next policy is about the annual festival called Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) that has been held since 2011 and Gandung Sewu since 2012.The results show that there is a dynamic in the political system where printed on the Regent's Decree for three different administrations. The current Regent tried to combine the three decrees by previous three different administrations that have different festivals on a growing systemic list called Calendar of Banyuwangi Festival from 2012-2019.