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THE TOURISM and Creative Economy Ministry will hold the People Festival (Pesta Rakyat) to enliven the implementation of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.
“All activities will actively involve the local community through creative ecosystems and MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) in Labuan Bajo to accommodate their enthusiasm for the implementation of the summit,” President Director of Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) Shana Fatina said.
According to a statement received on Sunday, there would be local products and a culinary bazaar, music and cultural performances, as well as a fashion show, at the festival, which is scheduled to take place on May 7–13, 2023.
In addition, a street carnival is planned to be held during the People Festival at Waesambi Square, which will involve school students and various local cultural centers, the BPOLBF president and director has continued.
She informed me that a number of local artists would also carry out musical performances. The festival would also present an ASEAN Youth Program involving 22 delegates from various ASEAN member countries to have dialogue with ASEAN leaders and discussion with local youngsters to further disseminate various information about ASEAN to the public.
Fatina noted that the implementation of the program was in accordance with the BPOLBF’s attempts to educate the people of Labuan Bajo regarding ASEAN.
“We will provide Tourist Information Centers and help desks at the airport and the delegates’ hotels to disseminate information regarding tourism (destinations) and events in Labuan Bajo that take place during the 2023 ASEAN Summit,” she remarked.
In addition to the street carnival, the Batu Cermin Cave Festival and the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Hub will be held at Batu Cermin Cave and Kampung Ujung Waterfront, respectively, during the People Festival.
“Along with the joint commitment of ASEAN member countries to encourage strong, sustainable, inclusive, and just economic growth, Labuan Bajo as one of the super-priority tourism destinations in Indonesia also revives,” the BPOLBF president and director added.
The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry will collaborate with the West Manggarai District Government in implementing the People Festival. Meanwhile, the 42nd ASEAN Summit is scheduled to take place on May 9–11, 2023. [antaranews/photo special]
