Wakatobi Wave 2026 festival opens in Southeast Sulawesi

The Wakatobi Wonderful Festival and Expo, known as Wakatobi Wave 2026, officially opened in Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, on October 2, 2026. The opening ceremonies featured a maritime cultural carnival with 1,688 participants from the islands of Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko, alongside a colossal dance performance involving 360 dancers performing traditional styles such as Tari Lengko, Lariangi, Sajo Mane, and Balumpa.

Beyond cultural displays, the festival serves as a strategic economic platform to promote local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and creative industries. Wakatobi Regent Haliana stated that the event, themed ‘Exploring Maritime and Cultural Majestic’, is designed as a long-term investment in regional welfare rather than instant profit. The festival includes an MSME expo and digital economy exhibitions to showcase local products like culinary items, traditional weaving, and crafts, aiming to strengthen Wakatobi’s image as a premier tourism destination while driving local economic circulation.