KEN events generate Rp196.97 bln for local economies

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has evaluated the economic impact of 28 tourism events under its 2026 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program, recording total revenue of Rp196.97 billion.

As of June 30, 39 of the 125 events scheduled under the 2026 KEN program had been held. The annual initiative showcases Indonesia's leading tourism events to stimulate local economies and promote regional cultures to domestic and international audiences.

During a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (July 15), Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the 28 evaluated KEN events attracted a total of 2.46 million visitors.

She added that the events involved 7,204 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), along with 61,868 workers, artists, and community members.

Between January 1 and June 30, the ministry also supported 17 national and eight international events. These events involved 1,326 MSMEs and 18,016 art workers and community members, attracting 614,731 visitors.

These events involved 1,326 MSMEs and 18,016 art workers and community members, attracting 614,731 visitors.

Looking ahead, the minister expressed optimism that large-scale festivals and concerts in the second half of 2026 would significantly boost the national economy.

Major performances scheduled for the remainder of the year include BTS's "ARIRANG" concert, The Weeknd's "After Hours Til Dawn Tour," and the We The Fest music festival.

Additionally, some Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events are also expected to generate substantial economic benefits.

"As of late June, we have supported 11 MICE events, and we have completed impact assessment for two of them. These two events alone generated an estimated transaction value of Rp485.5 billion, along with foreign exchange earnings of approximately Rp347.6 billion," Wardhana said.

To further support the national event industry, the ministry has launched Event by Indonesia, a digital platform designed to provide information on events and activities across the country.

The platform enables the public to easily access upcoming event calendars, ticket and accommodation booking services, event schedules, performer lineups, and the latest event updates.

The 2026 event calendar can also be accessed on the Visit Indonesia page at indonesia.travel. Users can access additional information by selecting the “See More Upcoming Event” tab.

"We invite the public to use the calendar of events as a reference to find activities that match their interests and take the time to enjoy the diverse experiences offered across destinations throughout Indonesia," Wardhana added.

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Translator: Hreeloita Shanti, Uyu Liman

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

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