Flower and Fruit Festival Showcases Karo's Potential

Dozens of vehicles decorated with floral and fruit arrangements moved slowly through Berastagi, Karo, North Sumatra, in late July. On both sides of the main roads in the cool highlands, thousands of residents and tourists enjoyed the parade during the 2026 Karo Flower and Fruit Festival.

Chrysanthemums, cabbage, carrots, and oranges adorned floats, including one featuring a paper buffalo sculpture at the front. Other vehicles featured various flowers arranged to resemble walking gardens. Festival participants were seen wearing traditional Karo and other regional attire, waving to spectators who captured the moments on their mobile phones.

The festivities highlighted the fertility of the Karo Regency. Agricultural produce from local farmers was packaged into attractions and displayed in stalls to attract visitors and tourists.

Karya Jaya Ginting, a local flower farmer, reported receiving more flower orders during the festival. “It increased by 40 per cent from usual days, or an additional 2,000 stems. The most in-demand are yellow and white chrysanthemums,” he said.

According to Karya, this surge in demand presents an opportunity for farmers to introduce Karo’s flowers to visitors from other regions. He expressed hope that the festival would help his business expand.

The Karo Flower and Fruit Festival also featured 82 stalls showcasing a variety of products, ranging from handicrafts, fashion, and creative products to various local processed foods from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Junianti Surbakti, a food business owner, utilised the festival to introduce her products to tourists, offering treats made from chocolate-coated strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.