"This festival should not be merely a ceremonial event. It should provide benefits to the local residents in terms of the economy, society, culture, and the environment," said Vinsensius Jemadu, the ministry's Deputy for Tourism Products and Activities, during the festival's opening ceremony on Thursday.
The festival, themed "The Past, the Present, and the Future," aims to spotlight the history of maritime nations' contact and cultures in Labuan Bajo.
Jemadu stated that one of the festival's objectives is to encourage participation from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost the economy of the local communities.
"It should be noted that the application of sustainability aspects is a must in holding an event," he said.
Furthermore, marine tourism constitutes one of Labuan Bajo's most promising potentials, he added.
With that in mind, the ministry has organized the festival as an event that highlights maritime aspects to display the important historical and cultural background of Labuan Bajo.
Jemadu said that the festival is expected to promote Labuan Bajo's distinct tourism sector to the domestic and international communities. The festival is a concrete implementation of Indonesia's strategy to promote its tourism sector, he added.
"This strategy is called 'storynomics' and is aimed at ensuring that all tourist attractions, including in Labuan Bajo, have an interesting story that can appeal to people to come to visit," he pointed out.
The Labuan Bajo Maritime Festival is being held from July 27–29 and features several shows and attractions that are open to the public. Jemadu expressed hope that more visitors will join the Labuan Bajo Maritime Festival.
In general, the festival's agenda involves a number of activities, such as the Three Eras Maritime Chronicle, Maritime Night Market, Family Fiesta, and also cultural exhibitions.
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Translator: Fransiska Mariana, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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