Minister Commits to Elevating Karo Flower and Fruit Festival to International Stage
The Cooperatives Minister, Ferry Juliantono, has affirmed the central government’s commitment to developing the Flower and Fruit Festival organised by the Karo Regency Government in North Sumatra into an event of international standing.
The minister conveyed this support while opening the Karo Flower and Fruit Festival 2026 at Taman Mejuah-juah in Berastagi, Karo Regency, on Thursday.
According to Ferry, the Karo Flower and Fruit Festival has strong appeal because it combines agricultural potential, culture, tourism and the local economy.
The festival has also been included among the Tourism Ministry’s 125 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN), making it worthy of continued development until it can attract foreign tourists.
“We will fully support next year’s edition so that its scale increases into an international event,” Ferry asserted.
He said he was impressed by the enthusiasm of the crowds filling the festival venue. In his view, this community spirit is an important asset for Karo Regency to continue developing its tourism sector and an economy based on local potential.
On that occasion, Ferry also received the bestowal of the Karo Ginting clan name as a form of honour from the Karo customary community.
Karo Regent Antonius Ginting stressed that the Flower and Fruit Festival is not merely entertainment, but also a moment to introduce Karo Regency to the world as a region rich in agricultural produce, culture and tourist destinations.
He said the regional government continues to build collaboration with the central government, the North Sumatra Provincial Government, business players and various parties to expand promotion of the region whilst opening up investment opportunities.
“It is important for Karo Regency to take further steps onto the international stage through collaboration in tourism promotion, modern agricultural investment, cultural exchange and the development of the creative economy,” said Antonius.
According to him, this synergy is expected to increase tourist visits, expand the market for Karo’s horticultural products and deliver a tangible impact on community welfare.
The Karo Flower and Fruit Festival 2026 carries the theme “The Eternal of Karo Paradise” and features a range of activities, from a flower and fruit-decorated float carnival, exhibitions of flagship products and MSMEs, business matching, cultural art performances and traditional dance competitions, through to the tradition of free fruit and processed fruit for the community.
North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya, who also attended the festival opening, affirmed that the provincial government will continue to support the development of the Karo Flower and Fruit Festival so that it becomes increasingly high quality and can serve as an international-level tourism icon for North Sumatra.
According to him, the festival, which has been held since the 1980s, is an expression of the community’s gratitude for the fertility of the land and the cultural richness of the Karo highlands, and has become part of the Tourism Ministry’s Karisma Event Nusantara.