Minister Widiyanti: JFC Develops World-Class Art Tourism in Jember

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that the Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) 2026 has developed art-based tourism in Jember, East Java, with international quality. “We are not just witnessing a carnival. We are witnessing a grand idea that creativity is a force capable of building identity, driving the economy, and introducing Indonesia to the world,” Widiyanti said in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Monday. During her visit to JFC 2026 on Sunday (26/7), the minister said the arts and culture festival strengthens Indonesia’s tourism image globally and has a tangible impact on regional economic growth through creative industry development, MSME empowerment, and job creation. The combination of fashion, performing arts, culture, and creativity makes JFC a stage that showcases the nation’s ability to produce works that attract tourists from various countries. She assessed that JFC’s consistency in maintaining quality has made it one of Indonesia’s best events, reflected in its inclusion in the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) for six consecutive years since 2021. JFC also makes a real contribution to the regional economy. In 2025, the event attracted 557,509 domestic tourists and 284 international tourists, involved 106 MSMEs, 2,643 artists, and 558 workers, with an economic turnover value reaching IDR 60.21 billion. Therefore, Widiyanti hopes JFC will continue to grow as a world-class fashion carnival that strengthens Indonesia’s tourism competitiveness while providing greater benefits to the community. “This year, 99 per cent of the creative content is in the hands of the younger generation. We are only accompanying them to ensure that the values of Jember Fashion Carnaval are maintained,” she said. Jember Fashion Carnaval 2026 was held on 24–26 July 2026, carrying the theme “HEAL: Humanity, Earth and Life”. The theme invites the public to build a more harmonious relationship between humans, the earth, and life through creative works that promote environmental conservation. This message was realised through four main agendas and eight theatrical defiles that highlighted humanitarian values, cultural diversity, and environmental awareness. The creative approach strengthens the role of tourism as an educational medium while supporting the development of quality and sustainable tourism.