“The Tampo Lore Festival is not just a cultural event; it’s a reflection of the Poso district government’s strong commitment to promoting the region’s cultural and tourism potential globally,” Central Sulawesi Cultural Office head Andi Kamal Lembah said in Poso on Friday.
He described the festival as a much-anticipated celebration of Poso’s stunning natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and the hospitality of its people. The festival is also a heartfelt expression of pride in the natural and cultural wealth of Central Sulawesi.
“Central Sulawesi is a place where nature and culture blend beautifully. This festival is the perfect moment to honor that heritage,” he added.
The provincial government, through its flagship Sembilan Berani program, is continuing to encourage local communities to ensure that cultural festivals evolve beyond entertainment into sources of economic value for residents.
“The megaliths in Behoa Valley, already widely known, must continue to be elevated as high-value tourism assets to bring direct economic benefits to local communities,” Lembah said.
He urged Poso residents, especially those in the Tampo Lore area, to use the festival to promote the region’s megalithic heritage to a global audience.
Muhammad Tan, a representative of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Office for Region XIII, called on the people of Tampo Lore to work together to preserve the area’s ancient traditions and the megalithic sites scattered across Behoa Valley.
He revealed that efforts are currently underway to gain global recognition and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status for Tampo Lore’s age-old traditions.
“This requires a collective effort, from government and activists to indigenous communities and the broader public,” Tan emphasized.
The Tampo Lore Festival is being held from June 27–29, 2025, at the Pokekea Megalith Site in Hanggira village, Lore Tengah district.
The event features several activities, including bamboo music competitions, local culinary parades, craft exhibitions, film discussions, and megalith exploration.
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Translator: Nur, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Arie Novarina
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