PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN (West Java) — The Indonesian Traditional Council (Majelis Adat Indonesia / MAI) has expressed high appreciation for the organization of the 2026 Garut Cultural Splendor Festival (Gebyar Pesona Budaya Garut / GPBG). This national-scale cultural event has been selected as part of the Archipelago Signature Events curation by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. Held at the grounds of Bale Paminton Building in Garut, the celebration was filled with joy and attended by prominent figures, including kings, sultans, and traditional leaders from across the Indonesian archipelago.
MAI Secretary General, His Highness Sripaduka M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso, attended the event following an official invitation from the Garut Regency Government. He emphasized that this gathering is far more than a cultural festival, but rather a strategic platform to revitalize traditional values as the foundation of the nation’s civilization.
“The Garut Cultural Splendor Festival is not merely a ceremonial celebration; it marks a pivotal moment to restore the dignity of traditional heritage and strengthen national identity. When kings, sultans, and traditional leaders come together, the cultural spirit of the entire archipelago unites, reinforcing Indonesia’s true character,” stated M. Rafik Datuk Rajo Kuaso on April 25, 2026.
He further highlighted the importance of positioning culture as a core pillar of development that directly improves people’s welfare, particularly through the growth of tourist villages.
“The Garut Regency Government’s initiative to promote tourist villages is both accurate and forward-thinking. Documenting and identifying local resources is key to ensuring that regional wealth is not only widely known, but also brings tangible economic benefits to local communities and indigenous groups,” he affirmed.
He also pointed out that the successful development of culture-based tourism cannot be achieved in isolation, and requires cooperation across different sectors.
“Developing tourist villages must be a collective effort. Responsibility does not lie with the tourism department alone; close coordination is needed with community development programs, traditional institutions, and all relevant stakeholders. This is where the spirit of communal cooperation finds its place in modern times,” he added.
The series of events at the 2026 festival included cultural parades showcasing a wide variety of royal traditional attire, as well as an opening ceremony themed “Garut Gumiwang Tanjeur Dangiang”, which celebrates the richness of local culture and the region’s prosperity.
The presence of the Regent of Garut along with regional officials further reinforced the commitment to develop Garut into a leading tourism destination, both nationally and internationally.
Conveying his closing remarks, the MAI Secretary General confirmed that the council is ready to act as a strategic partner in maintaining a balance between development progress and the preservation of traditional values.
“MAI exists not only as an organization, but as a guardian of values that upholds the nation’s moral compass. We are fully prepared to collaborate, ensuring that all development efforts remain rooted in local wisdom and focused on bringing benefits to the people,” he concluded.
#@Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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