Karo Festival Bunga dan Buah 2026 draws 2,000 visitors, eyes international expansion

The Festival Bunga dan Buah (Flower and Fruit Festival) in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, opened on 30 July 2026 in Berastagi and ran until 1 August. Approximately 2,000 visitors attended the parade of 23 decorated floats, marching bands, cultural performances and local‑produced goods. Security was managed jointly by the Karo Police, the local army unit Kodim 0205/Tanah Karo, Satpol PP and the regional transport department, ensuring a safe and orderly event.

Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono attended the opening, praising the festival as one of Indonesia’s top events and announcing full government support to upscale the 2027 edition to an international level. He received a traditional Karo Batak honor and, together with Vice Governor Surya and Regent Antonius Ginting, released the festival floats. The minister emphasized the festival’s role in promoting regional tourism and local agricultural products.

The event highlighted traditional Karo rituals such as the Erpangir Ku‑Lao cleansing ceremony and showcased local crafts, reinforcing the cultural identity of the Karo community while seeking broader national and international recognition.