Women take part in a Lampung traditional dress parade which illustrates the diversity of cultural customs in the province, in Lampung, on August 25, 2019. (Photo: ANTARA News)
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and community spirit as 20,000 people flock to the 2023 Krakatau Festival in Lampung, Indonesia, for an unforgettable celebration of tradition and tourism
The eagerly anticipated 2023 Krakatau Festival, also known as K-Festival, is set to attract a massive crowd of approximately 20,000 people, according to the Lampung Tourism and Creative Economy Office. In an announcement made on Tuesday, Bobby Irawan, the head of the office, revealed that this year’s festival would undergo a significant transformation, becoming a people’s festival designed to bring the community closer together.
Irawan emphasized the involvement of both officials and the local community in this year’s festival, stating, “Not only officials, but the community will also be involved in this year’s festival. From morning to afternoon, the festival expects a participation of at least 10,000 to 20,000 people, including parade participants and the local community.” The festival organizers hope that this increased community engagement will lead to a stronger bond and a more memorable experience for all attendees.
One of the main goals of the Krakatau Festival is to boost tourism in Lampung. With an estimated 20,000 participants, the festival aims to draw attention to Lampung’s tourist destinations and increase visitors’ interest in exploring the region. Irawan remarked, “The purpose of this festival is to increase tourism visits to Lampung, and hopefully, it will help more people become acquainted with the tourist destinations through the K-Festival.”
Scheduled to take place on July 7-8, 2023, the Krakatau Festival will shine a spotlight on Lampung’s cultural masks. Alongside the mask exhibition, the event will feature exciting competitions and a vibrant carnival. Local small businesses will also have the opportunity to showcase their traditional engkak cake through a cooking session.
Notably, the festival will include a video-making competition centered around the theme of “Mount Krakatau,” serving as the festival’s iconic symbol. Irawan highlighted the significance of the cultural mask carnival, stating, “The highlight of the festival is not an entertainment show but a cultural mask carnival involving the community. This activity aims to enhance Lampung’s tourism and increase its popularity among a wider audience.”
The K-Festival 2023 will be held at the PKOR Way Halim, with the theme “Nemui Nyimah,” meaning hospitality in welcoming guests. The event aims to introduce Lampung to both local and foreign tourists while instilling a sense of pride in the province among young people. Organizers hope that K-Fest will become a significant annual event that celebrates the culture, hospitality, and natural beauty of Lampung, leaving a lasting impact on visitors and locals alike.
