About FOBI
Lion Dance Becomes an Official Sport in Indonesia
FOBI was initiated in 2009, driven by the Persatuan Seni Olahraga Barongsai Indonesia (PERSOBARIN), which had branches in several regions.
On August 9, 2012, five organizations agreed to establish FOBI: (1) PERSOBARIN (Persatuan Seni Olahraga Barongsai Indonesia), (2) ALBSI (Asosiasi Liong dan Barongsai Indonesia), (3) ALBA (Asosiasi Liong Barongsai Bandung), (4) PERNABI (Persaudaraan Naga Barongsai Indonesia), (5) PLBB (Persatuan Liong Barong Bogor).
FOBI was officially founded on August 9, 2012, after these five well-established Lion and Dragon Dance organizations in Indonesia reached a mutual agreement. The federation was led by its first Chairman, Dahlan Iskan, in 2013.
Lion Dance was later recognized as an official competitive sport under the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI). Today, FOBI has expanded to 29 provinces and continues to grow, aiming for full nationwide coverage.
Based on registered membership data, Indonesia currently has an estimated 2,000 active Lion Dance athletes. There are approximately 500 clubs dedicated to Southern Lion Dance (Barongsai), Northern Lion Dance (Pekingsai), and Dragon Dance (Naga), with around 400 clubs officially registered under FOBI, and the number keeps increasing.
"Indonesia Has Become the Global Benchmark for Lion Dance Sports..."
Indonesia has secured multiple World Championship titles in Lion Dance, including its historic victory in the 2024 President’s Cup. This is a source of national pride, and we are committed to ensuring that Indonesian Lion Dance continues to dominate the global stage.
