Indonesia has many ethnic groups, one of which is Chinese (Chinese). although this ethnic minority, but have the same rights and obligations.

Lion Dance is a traditional Chinese dance using a sarong that resembles a lion. Lion Dance has a history of thousands of years. The first records of this dance can be traced back to the Chin Dynasty around the third century BC.

History
The art of Lion Dance became popular during the South-North dynasty (Nan Bei) in 420-589 AD. At that time the army of King Song Wen Di was overwhelmed by the attack of King Fan Yang's elephant army from Lin Yi's country. A warlord named Zhong Que made an imitation of a stuffed lion to repel King Fan's army. It turned out that the effort was successful until finally the lion dance is legendary until now.

Lion Dance in Indonesia
The art of lion dance is thought to have entered Indonesia in the 17th century, when there was a great migration from South China. Barongsai in Indonesia experienced a boom when there was still the Tiong Hoa Hwe Koan association. Every Tiong Hoa Hwe Koan association in various regions in Indonesia is almost certain to have a lion dance association. The development of the lion dance then stopped in 1965 after the eruption of the 30 S/PKI Movement. Due to the political situation at that time, all forms of Chinese culture in Indonesia were silenced. The lion dance is destroyed and cannot be played again. Changes in the political situation that occurred in Indonesia after 1998 revived the lion dance art and other Chinese cultures. Many lion dance associations have sprung up again. Unlike in the past, now it is not only young Chinese who play the lion dance, but many young Indonesian natives are also participating.

During the Soeharto era, the lion dance was not allowed to be played. The only place in Indonesia that can display a lion dance on a large scale is in the city of Semarang, precisely on the big stage of the Sam Poo Kong temple or also known as the Gedong Batu Temple. Every year, on the 29-30th of the sixth month according to the Chinese calendar (Imlek).

The Lion Dance Has Been Recognized by Koni
Now the lion dance in Indonesia has been contested. The Indonesian Barongsai Sports Federation or FOBI which oversees the Barongsai art has been recognized by the Indonesian National Sports Committee, KONI. So, now lion dance players can be called lion dance athletes. The Indonesian lion dance has won the championship in the world. Starting with the Barongsai Association Bersatu Teguh (HBT) from Padang which won 5th place at the world championship in Genting - Malaysia in 2000. Until now, the Indonesian lion dance has participated in many world championships and has won many achievements. Call it a few names such as Kong Ha Hong (KHH) - Jakarta, Dragon Phoenix (DP) - Jakarta, Satya Dharma - Kudus, and the Indonesian Chinese Clan Social Association (PSMTI) - Tarakan. Even the last name, namely PSMTI, has won 1st place in a world competition held in Surabaya in 2006. Another lion dance school is Tri Pusaka Solo which in mid-August 2007 won 1st Place in the President Cup. Kong Ha Hong from Jakarta has also proven that Indonesian lion dances are able to compete internationally.

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