BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali is welcoming dancers, instructors, and performers from across the Asia-Pacific region as the island hosts the inaugural Indonesian International Latin Festival & Asia-Pacific Salsa Summit 2026, a five-day event blending dance, culture, tourism, and the creative economy.
The festival is being held from July 30 to August 3, 2026, at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, under the theme “Where Latin Passion Meets the Spirit of Indonesia.”
Organized by Zigzag Indonesia in collaboration with Tiara Josodirdjo & Associates (TJA), the event combines international dance competitions, workshops, live performances, and social dancing while promoting cultural exchange through music and movement.
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Creative Economy, Irene Umar, described the festival as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy and expand the creative economy.
“The Indonesian International Latin Festival & Asia-Pacific Salsa Summit 2026 provides a platform for artists, instructors, dancers, and communities from various countries to collaborate, compete, and exchange cultures,” she said.
According to Irene, dance plays an important role in developing creative talent, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and supporting sustainable economic growth while reinforcing Indonesia’s performing arts ecosystem.
A major milestone for the event is its recognition as the first official host of The Summit Championship in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region, under a licensing partnership with The Summit Championship of New York.
Billy Fajardo, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of The Summit Championship, said Indonesia has demonstrated strong potential to become one of the region’s leading Latin dance destinations.
“This partnership is not only about bringing a competition to Indonesia, but also marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to developing talent, strengthening the regional Latin dance community, and creating more opportunities for dancers to compete on a world-class stage,” he said.
Event organizers expect between 300 and 500 participants, with approximately 70 percent coming from overseas.
International participants are expected to travel from Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, New Zealand, and several other Asia-Pacific countries.
Executive Producer Tiara Josodirdjo said the festival aims to showcase Indonesia not only as an event host but also as a destination for international collaboration and cultural exchange.
“We hope every participant leaves Indonesia not only with competition experience but also with stories about the country’s rich culture and the quality of its international events,” she said.
Organizers hope the event will continue to grow into one of the largest Latin dance festivals in the Asia-Pacific region, with a long-term target of attracting more than 1,000 participants.