Governor Khofifah: BEC Show Inspires Cultural Advancement
Not only for Banyuwangi, but also for East Java, Indonesia and the world.
Banyuwangi (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said the Banyuwangi Ethno Carnival (BEC) provides inspiration for the advancement of culture and civilisation.
“Not only for Banyuwangi, but also for East Java, Indonesia and the world,” said Governor Khofifah when opening the 2026 ethnic fashion parade festival (BEC), held in the Blambangan Park area of Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, on Saturday.
According to her, the BEC is also a manifestation of the creativity of cultural figures, artists and creative economy players in the regency at the eastern tip of Java.
Through orchestration with the regional government, Khofifah continued, they have been able to present a show that is not only captivating, but also rich in artistic and cultural values.
“Our thanks go to the Banyuwangi Regency Government as the orchestrator of all the activities held in Banyuwangi, especially the BEC. May Banyuwangi continue to soar and progress, and may the community continue to build synergy from local to global,” she said.
“We can see a shared spirit of going from local to global, demonstrated through the cultural strength, innovation and creativity of the people of Banyuwangi through the BEC,” Governor Khofifah added.
Meanwhile, Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani expressed gratitude that the BEC, now in its 14th edition as an ethnic fashion parade, remains one of the most eagerly awaited events for communities both locally and internationally.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the staging of this year’s BEC, especially all the young people involved in this parade,” she said.
Ipuk added that synergy and collaboration have been key for Banyuwangi, enabling it to present various world-class events, including the BEC.
“May this year’s BEC also serve as a milestone for all of us to move forward together in building the Banyuwangi that we love,” she said.
Thousands of people showed great enthusiasm, filling every spectator area, from around the main stage to both sides of the streets along the route.
The theme ‘Perang Bayu’ was presented across five sub-theme fragments, expressed through costumes depicting the struggle of Banyuwangi’s indigenous people during the war against Dutch troops in the 18th century.
The BEC was attended by Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, the President’s Special Envoy for Tourism Zita Anjani, representatives of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, and various national figures from the central government, the House of Representatives (DPR RI), state-owned enterprise leaders and the private sector.
This year’s BEC was also witnessed by delegations from ASEAN member states, East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, and members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).