Deputy Culture Minister Attends Peak of Tabuik Pariaman Festival

Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha and his wife attended the peak of the Pesona Budaya Tabuik Piaman 2026 in Pariaman, West Sumatra, on Sunday. Giring noted that while Culture Minister Fadhli Zon attended the previous year, he was invited this year by the Mayor of Pariaman. During the event, the former Nidji vocalist performed two of the band’s hit songs, ‘Laskar Pelangi’ and ‘Hapus Aku’. He emphasised that the Tabuik tradition in Pariaman must be preserved, as its impact extends beyond safeguarding culture to boosting tourism and the creative economy. ‘My wife even bought up traditional Pariaman cloth and we also stocked up on crisps,’ he said. The Deputy Minister also witnessed the Tabuik being cast into the sea as visitors scrambled for its ornaments on the beach. Mayor of Pariaman Yota Balad expressed hope that the Culture Minister and Deputy Minister could return to witness the annual early Muharram event, noting that tourist visits this year were higher than the previous year, demonstrating Tabuik’s significant impact on local tourism and the economy.