The Thousand Islands Regency Administration held the 2026 Cultural Traditions Festival at Pramuka Island Regency Plaza as part of Jakarta’s 499th anniversary celebrations. The annual event drew enthusiastic participation from residents across the region’s six urban villages. Featuring cultural performances, traditional food, and local competitions, the festival highlighted the rich heritage of the Thousand Islands community. The event also served as a platform to strengthen public participation in preserving local traditions.
Regent of the Thousand Islands, Muhammad Fadjar Churniawan, said the festival was an important opportunity to preserve cultural heritage while supporting local economic growth through arts, culture, and traditional culinary products. He encouraged residents to use the event as a way to promote regional traditions and boost community-based economic activity. Fadjar also expressed appreciation to organizers and stakeholders who contributed to the event’s success. He noted that broad community involvement helps strengthen regional identity and foster closer ties among residents.
Beyond cultural preservation, the festival was also used to promote environmental awareness and cleanliness. Organizers urged participants and visitors to keep the area free of litter and help protect the marine environment surrounding the islands. Fadjar emphasized that maintaining clean surroundings before, during, and after the event was a shared responsibility. He said preserving both culture and nature is essential to the future of the Thousand Islands.
Head of the Thousand Islands Culture Office, Harry Dwirendra, explained that the festival involved students, fishermen, residents, and local government officials. Each participating area showcased its own traditional arts, cultural practices, and signature dishes, creating an opportunity to introduce and preserve local identity. Traditional competitions, including cooking contests and boat tug-of-war events, added to the festive atmosphere. Harry expressed hope that the event would strengthen cultural identity and serve as a foundation for the future development of the Thousand Islands while keeping local traditions relevant in a changing world.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
