Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - The Central Kalimantan Culture and Tourism Department (Disbudpar) stated that two tourism agendas of the province were included in the national tourism agendas -- the 2023 Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN).

"Two agendas (events) of Central Kalimantan are included in the national tourism calendar, i.e. the Isen Mulang Culture Festival (FBIM) and the Babukung Festival," Head of the Central Kalimantan Disbudpar Adiah Chandra Sari stated when contacted in Palangka Raya, Monday.

Sari was grateful since out of the proposals for thousands of festivals submitted by all provinces in Indonesia to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), two big events from Central Kalimantan could be included in the 110 prestigious and quality agendas that are being recognized nationally.

"After going through several stages of curation and presentation that were carried out online, it is hoped that in future, not only two agendas will be included in the KEN but more and more regencies and cities will propose activities in their regions," she stated.

Sari believes this is because there are still several cultural activities, traditional processions, and others that can be chosen to become the quality agenda in Central Kalimantan. This can be achieved by having more mature and interesting packaging.

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The KEN is a program of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy that summarizes various tourism agendas from all provinces in Indonesia to further optimize promotions in attracting tourists from within and outside the country.

The inclusion of the regional tourism agenda in KEN is believed to provide several benefits to each region and society, to boost economic growth, and increase welfare.

Sari further noted that in 2023, the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government will hold various cultural and tourism festivals as a form of support for the national movement "Bangga Berwisata di Indonesia" (BBWI).

Earlier, at the launch of the 2023 KEN held by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in the Keong Mas Plaza area of the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), Babukung Dance from Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan, was also to be one of the performances showcased at the event.

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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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