Tuesday, 03 November 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Berlabuh 2026 Cultural Festival in Deli Serdang has received recognition from Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism for the organisers' commitment to creating an inclusive space for arts and culture. The festival provides accessible facilities and gives people from all walks of life the opportunity to participate in artistic performances and traditional activities.
Femmy Indriyani Dalimunthe, a representative of Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism, praised this commitment at the opening of the Berlabuh Festival on Friday evening, 30 October 2026, at Tengku Raja Muda Square in Lubuk Pakam.According to Femmy, the festival's development, from a creative initiative launched by former tourism ambassadors in 2023 to its inclusion among the 125 best events in the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) programme in 2026, demonstrates Deli Serdang's considerable cultural potential. This achievement also highlights how regional creativity can strengthen tourism's appeal and competitiveness at national and international levels.
Alongside promoting cultural potential, the organisers are also committed to environmental protection by reducing the use of single-use decorations. This approach reinforces the message that cultural festivals can be aligned with environmental awareness and the diverse needs of society.She said accessible facilities were an essential component in ensuring that people could enjoy cultural events and participate actively without facing unnecessary barriers.
She expressed hope that the success of Berlabuh in Deli Serdang could be sustained through cooperation among all stakeholders. The festival should also help strengthen the younger generation's appreciation of their ancestral traditions while encouraging innovation to further develop regional tourism."With a spirit of inclusion, the preservation of cultural heritage and cooperation among all stakeholders, we hope that Berlabuh in Deli Serdang can continue to develop. At the same time, the festival should foster the younger generation's appreciation of their ancestral traditions and promote innovation to strengthen the regional tourism sector," she said.
"We are different, but we are one. Differences and diversity are a wealth that we must preserve as part of our traditions and cultural values," he said.
Lom Lom expressed hope that the Deli Serdang Tourism Ambassadors Foundation would continue to uphold the values of diversity and inclusion. He underlined the importance of creating spaces where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or physical abilities.On behalf of the Deli Serdang Regency Government, Lom Lom also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Deli Serdang Tourism Ambassadors Foundation, the Ministry of Tourism and all stakeholders who had contributed to preserving and developing the vibrant traditions and culture of the community.
"On behalf of the Deli Serdang Regency Government, I would like to thank and express my appreciation to the Deli Serdang Tourism Ambassadors Foundation, the Ministry of Tourism and all stakeholders who have contributed to preserving and developing the traditions and culture that remain alive in our society," he said.
The Berlabuh 2026 Festival is held under the theme "Sepilin Berbilang Rona, Seiras Berbilang Rasa". It highlights the importance of accepting and appreciating differences in ethnicity, religion, race, skin colour and physical abilities as part of society's collective wealth.
Through artistic performances and a parade featuring participating delegations, the festival brings people from diverse cultural backgrounds together in a shared space. The organisers present diversity not merely as an element of a performance, but as a message promoting a society built on mutual respect.The Deli Serdang Regency Government hopes that Berlabuh will expand public access to arts and culture. At the same time, the administration is committed to ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to participate, engage in creative activities and demonstrate their abilities.
The festival's opening was marked by the striking of the Pakpung drum by Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo, accompanied by representatives of regional government agencies and departments (OPD). This was followed by a presentation of regional textiles and a parade featuring delegations from various regions.The event was also attended by Asniar Lom Lom Suwondo, the first expert member of the Deli Serdang Family Welfare and Empowerment Team (TP PKK). Terang Dewi Susanti Ujung, S.STP., head of the North Sumatra Provincial Office of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, was also present.
In addition, numerous experts, assistants, heads of regional agencies and departments, sub-district heads, artists, representatives of art studios, and delegations from various regencies and cities attended the festival's opening.Through the Berlabuh 2026 Festival, Deli Serdang demonstrates that preserving cultural heritage can go hand in hand with inclusion, environmental awareness and the strengthening of the creative economy. The festival also highlights the role of art as a shared space where people can celebrate diversity and further develop regional potential. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
