Banyuwangi readies BEC 2026 with festival lineup to attract tourists

Banyuwangi (ANTARA) - The Banyuwangi District Government in East Java has prepared a series of attractions for tourists next week, in addition to the spectacular Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) 2026.

Banyuwangi District Head Ipuk Fiestiandani said on Sunday that the 13th edition of BEC will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, starting at 1 p.m. Western Indonesia Time.

According to Ipuk, to welcome the annual carnival, the district administration has also scheduled various events from July 16 to 19.

"As part of the BEC series, we will also hold the Sekarkijang Creative Fest (SCF) Run on July 19, with full support from Bank Indonesia's Jember Representative Office," Ipuk said.

According to her, the SCF Run will be centered at the Banyuwangi Arts and Culture Hall (Gesibu), while an MSME Festival will take place from July 16 to 19 at the same venue.

The festival will showcase leading products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Banyuwangi and neighboring districts, including Situbondo, Bondowoso, Jember, and Lumajang.

A variety of activities will also be held during the MSME Festival. On July 16, visitors can enjoy the Sekarkijang Batik Motif Design Competition and a singing competition.

The following day, the festival will feature a Green Campaign Innovation Competition, a creative painting workshop, and a children's fashion show.

"We will also organize a subsidized food market. Visitors are welcome to explore creative and culinary booths featuring products from five districts surrounding Banyuwangi," Ipuk said.

The BEC will begin in the afternoon from Blambangan Park on July 18 with hundreds of carnival participants parading along a two-kilometer route through Banyuwangi's main streets.

This year's BEC will present a spectacular parade of ethnic-inspired costumes under the theme "Perang Bayu - The Great War of Blambangan", depicting the heroic struggle of the people of Banyuwangi against Dutch colonial rule in the 18th century, a historical event that marked the founding of Banyuwangi.

"In the evening, after watching the carnival, visitors can enjoy the Barong Battle cultural performance at Tamansuruh Agro-tourism Park," she said.

Ipuk expressed her appreciation to Bank Indonesia's Jember Representative Office for its continued support for Banyuwangi, not only through its collaboration on the Sekarkijang Creative Fest and BEC, but also through various programs aimed at strengthening local MSMEs.

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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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