Gir Sereng Festival in Probolinggo Aims to Preserve Culture and Boost Local Economy

The Probolinggo Mayor, Aminuddin, officially opened the Gir Sereng Festival held by the Laba-laba Community Group at the Permata Pilang Beach area in Probolinggo, East Java. The festival aims to preserve local cultural heritage as a regional identity while simultaneously boosting the local economic sector.

During his opening remarks, Mayor Aminuddin encouraged the community to continue preserving local traditions to strengthen social bonds among residents. The festival featured 23 micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) stalls, involving local entrepreneurs and street vendors. Various cultural art performances were also presented to celebrate local traditions and drive community economic activity.

Mayor Aminuddin also used the occasion to call upon residents to celebrate the upcoming 81st Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence by decorating their neighbourhoods with the national flag and festive lights. Furthermore, the Mayor expressed his appreciation to the organisers for creating a platform that allows MSMEs to grow, thereby impacting community economic improvement.

He also revealed strategic plans to develop the Permata Pilang Beach area, which is set to be expanded to 34 hectares. This expansion is intended to develop the area as a tourist destination and green zone, while simultaneously driving regional economic growth.

The festival opening included traditional dance performances by Sanggar Tri Sukma and Sanggar Puri Rahayu, followed by a colossal drama performance by Sanggar Gunung Gembok titled “Buto Ijo and Roro Anteng,” which tells the legend of the formation of Mount Batok in the Bromo region. Local residents expressed hope that the festival would become an annual event that strengthens the cultural identity of the Pilang sub-district and improves community welfare through the creative economy and tourism sectors.