Batam's Kenduri Seni Melayu 2026 to Feature Artists from Four Countries to Boost Cultural Tourism
Batam is promoting Malay cultural arts through the 2026 Malay Arts Feast (Kenduri Seni Melayu - KSM), involving artists and performers from four countries—Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand—as an effort to strengthen the appeal of cultural tourism.
The Head of the Batam City Culture and Tourism Office, Ardiwinata, stated that the 2026 Malay Arts Feast, scheduled for 3–5 July, is open to the public. He noted that the event has repeatedly been included in the Karisma Event Nusantara programme, which is a significant achievement as it undergoes curation by 14 curators from various Indonesian events.
In 2026, international participants performing top-tier dances will originate from Johor and Sabah in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand, he added. Furthermore, several art studios from various regions in Indonesia will also participate, including the Laksamana Dance Studio from Pekanbaru, Riau.
“We hope this KSM will continue to strengthen Batam’s position as a gateway for cultural tourism while introducing Malay identity to the international level,” he said.
The Batam Culture and Tourism Office will also feature several Malay art figures, including Malaysian singer Ruslan Madun, known for the song ‘Lemak Manis Ala Amboy-Amboy’, and international dance maestro Didik Nini Thowok from Indonesia, who will perform at the Batam Malay Arts Feast for the first time.
“We are also inviting students so they can learn directly from the maestros. The hope is that this will serve as inspiration and encourage the emergence of more academics and artists working in the field of Malay culture,” he said.
There will be approximately 60 art performances, including the Jogi Dance, which is an intangible cultural heritage of Batam, Malay silat performances, Joget Kenap Kenangan Manis, as well as batik demonstrations and live painting.
The Acting Deputy for Event Organiser Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Hafiz Agung Rifai, stated that the Malay Arts Feast is one of the flagship events in the 2026 Karisma Event Nusantara.