Golo Koe Festival 2026 Opens in Labuan Bajo as Tourism Minister Calls for Sustainable Growth

Indonesia's Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said on the evening of August 10, 2026, during the opening of the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival 2026 at Waterfront City in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, that Labuan Bajo has become 'one of the faces of Indonesian tourism in the eyes of the world.'

Now in its fifth year, the festival runs from August 10 to 15, 2026. The minister stressed that tourism growth must go hand-in-hand with preserving the cultural identity of local communities, noting that the festival embodies this philosophy by combining faith, tradition, and community life in an open, inclusive celebration.

Bishop of Labuan Bajo, Mgr. Maksimus Regus, also warned against activities or policies that damage the environment, given Labuan Bajo's status as a rapidly growing super-premium tourism destination. This year's theme, 'Communal Pilgrimage in Synergistic Fellowship to Preserve the Integrity of Creation,' places ecological concerns at the heart of the celebration.

The festival's program includes a local MSME exhibition and cultural performances (Aug 10); ecological activities such as beach cleanups and mangrove planting at Binongko Beach (Aug 11); social-charitable activities and a cultural carnival (Aug 12); a traditional Caci dance performance by local students (Aug 13); a grand maritime procession carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary (Aug 14); and a closing Mass followed by a music concert (Aug 15).

Organized by the Catholic Diocese of Labuan Bajo in partnership with the West Manggarai regional government, the festival offers visitors a chance to experience the region's blend of culture, faith, and environmental stewardship.