Tabut Festival boosts tourism and MSMEs in Bengkulu

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan has emphasized that the 2026 Tabut Festival is not only a platform for preserving culture, but also a driver of local economy growth through the tourism sector and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"Tabut is Bengkulu's pride. Through this festival, we preserve our ancestral cultural heritage while driving the tourism sector, MSMEs, and the people's economy. Bengkulu should continue to be recognized for its rich cultural heritage," Hasan said in Bengkulu on Thursday.

The Tabut Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Bengkulu Province and is included in the Ministry of Tourism's national Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) calendar.

Hasan said the festival plays an important role in strengthening the region's identity while serving as a means to promote Bengkulu at the national level.

According to him, cultural preservation must continue so that ancestral heritage can be maintained and passed on to future generations.

He added that the festival provides a platform for community creativity and helps stimulate economic activity in Bengkulu through a range of attractions and MSME bazaars involving businesses from Bengkulu and other provinces.

Head of the Bengkulu Provincial Tourism Office Murlin Hanizar reported that the 2026 Tabut Festival had generated a significant economic impact.

Based on preliminary data, economic activity generated during the festival was estimated at more than Rp20 billion.

He explained that the figure came from activities in the trade, culinary, hotel, transportation, and MSME sectors, as well as other economic activities that grew during the festival.

"This year's Tabut Festival was successful thanks to support from all parties. In addition to cultural processions, various art and cultural competitions also attracted residents and tourists visiting Bengkulu," Murlin said.

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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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