The International Program Dance Club (IPDC) of the Indonesia Islamic University (UII) in Yogyakarta has won numerous awards at the 9th International Folklore Festival (Interfolk) in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The competition was held at the city's Concert Hall and Kaskad Cultural Center from Nov. 11 to 15.

During the five-day competition, the group showcased three Acehnese dances, namely Rapai Geleng, Tarek Pukat and Ratoh Jaroe.

(Read also: Eko Supriyanto's 'Cry Jailolo' dazzles in Paris festival)

Antara news agency reported that the IPDC had brought home a total of six trophies and six prizes, including First Prize for Folk Dance in the 18 to 45-year-old category, Star of Interfolk 2016, Jury Prize for Best Accompaniment Music, Jury Prize for Best Artistry, Jury Prize for Performance Mastery and Gold Diploma for Music Accompaniment, Performance Mastery and Best Artistry.

These achievements have given the dance group the opportunity to participate in next year's international cultural festival in Armenia.

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia and Republic of Belarus, Wahid Supriyadi, congratulated the team. “We’re proud to see UII Yogyakarta’s achievement in the competition, particularly seeing Indonesia represented by students who come from different backgrounds. Hopefully, this achievement will motivate UII’s students to compete in other international festivals, as well as become a role model for other Indonesian dance groups,” said Wahid. (jes/kes)