“I just learned that this Easter parade has been proposed for inclusion. It is a good initiative that deserves support,” he said during a visit to Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Speaking at the opening of the 30th Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT) Easter Parade Festival, Gibran said the central government would follow up by strengthening promotion, improving infrastructure and supporting local communities and small businesses.
He added that the government would also roll out programs to enhance the region’s creative economy.
Gibran noted that NTT has significant potential in religious tourism, with several destinations already contributing to local economic activity.
Alongside the Kupang festival, he highlighted the Semana Santa celebrations in Larantuka, East Flores, and the Virgin Mary statue at Nilo Hill in Sikka as key attractions.
“These destinations can boost tourism appeal, drive economic activity and improve people’s welfare,” he said.
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He added that integrating such events into the national tourism calendar would help attract more domestic and international visitors.
Chairman of the GMIT Synod Assembly Rev. Samuel Benjamin Pendie expressed hope the Easter Parade Festival would soon gain national recognition.
He said such status would allow for stronger development planning and wider promotion to draw more visitors to Kupang.
Pendie also noted that support from the central government could help improve facilities and organization of the annual event.
This year’s festival drew dozens of GMIT presbyteries and hundreds of congregations from across NTT.
Local authorities said the event continues to grow in scale and visibility each year.
Related news: Flores Island aims to become Indonesia's Catholic tourism destination
Translator: Korenlis K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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