Mampie Turtle Festival promotes sustainable tourism destinations

The West Sulawesi Provincial Government has stated that the Mampie Turtle Festival is expected to encourage the strengthening of the sustainable tourism sector whilst enhancing the competitiveness of tourist destinations based on local wisdom. The Head of the West Sulawesi Youth, Sports, Tourism and Creative Economy Office (Dispoparekraf), Bau Akram Dai, said in Polewali Mandar on Sunday that the implementation of the Mampie Turtle Festival serves as an educational instrument for environmental conservation as well as a booster for the competitiveness of the region’s marine tourism sector. Bau Akram made the statement during the series of events for the Mampie Turtle Festival, which was held in Galeso Village, Wonomulyo District, Polewali Mandar Regency. The Mampie Turtle Festival, which took place from 24 to 28 June 2026, carried the theme ‘Preserving Footprints, Bequeathing the Ocean’. Bau Akram expressed hope that the Mampie Turtle Festival would not merely remain an annual ceremonial agenda but would evolve into a sustainable collective movement. ‘The Mampie Turtle Festival must be transformed into a sustainable collective movement. This activity is expected to strengthen the ecological awareness of the community whilst fostering a culture of conservation that provides long-term benefits,’ said Bau Akram. He emphasised the importance of aligning tourism development with environmental preservation. ‘Tourism and environmental preservation no longer run separately but have become two mutually reinforcing poles within the sustainable tourism paradigm, in order to maintain ecological balance whilst improving the welfare of local communities,’ he explained. Bau Akram is optimistic that the established collaboration will further strengthen West Sulawesi’s position as a leading tourism destination that integrates environmental preservation with sustainable creative economy development. The West Sulawesi Provincial Government also expressed appreciation to the Mutiara Turtle Friends Community, the Polewali Mandar Regency Government, and the Ministry of Tourism for the support of the 2026 fiscal year Assistance Task Fund. Meanwhile, Founder of Turtle Friends Muhammad Yusri said that this year’s Mampie Turtle Festival theme carries a message for the community not only to guard their footsteps in environmental preservation efforts but also to bequeath a healthy and sustainable sea to future generations. He said the Mampie Turtle Festival is not just an annual celebration but a collective movement to build public awareness about the importance of protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. ‘Our hope is that this spirit continues to grow so that Mampie can be known as a conservation tourism destination that makes West Sulawesi proud,’ said Yusri. The Turtle Festival activities were packaged with various educational and entertainment events, as well as conservation activities, beach clean-ups, tree planting, a tour of the Mampie Bay River, and an MSME exhibition. Public enthusiasm was evident from the first day until the closing of the event. The Mampie community expressed happiness that the annual festival was held again, as it has become a much-anticipated event. Besides providing entertainment, the festival also had a positive impact on local businesses through increased tourist visits and MSME activities.