Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: FDS serves as a meeting point for tourism and creative economy sectors

Sutanto, from the Directorate of Early Childhood Education under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, stated that the Sentani Lake Festival (FDS) at Khalkote Beach, Jayapura Regency, Papua, serves as a meeting point for the tourism and creative economy sectors.

“The FDS is regarded not only as a stage for arts and culture but also as a venue where the tourism sector, MSME players, and the creative economy converge,” he said in Sentorni on Sunday.

According to Sutanto, the event also impacts the economic growth of MSMEs, as the art performances act as a draw for visitors. “Consequently, the more people visit the FDS, the greater the opportunity for local MSME products to gain recognition,” he added.

He explained that his department believes Lake Sentani possesses strong potential to be developed as a premier tourist destination in Jayapura Regency. “The natural beauty, blended with local community life and culture, offers a unique experience that is difficult to find elsewhere,” he noted.

He further added that they are encouraging the wider promotion of Lake Sentani, not only to the people of Papua but also to tourists from various regions across Indonesia and abroad. He expressed hope that the FDS would not merely remain an annual agenda but would continue to be an integral part of Jayapura Regency’s tourism promotion. “This festival can serve as an entry point to introduce Lake Sentani to tourists while simultaneously opening economic opportunities for the local community,” he said.

Previously, the Regent of Jayapura, Papua, Yunus Wonda, stated that the local government would not close the FDS venue after the event concludes to ensure economic activities continue. “The facilities built to support tourism activities will continue to be utilised by the community,” he said.

He noted that the sustainable use of the location is part of the local government’s efforts to keep economic activities in Jayapura Regency running smoothly. “Therefore, we invite the community to maintain cleanliness and discipline at the FDS site so that it can become a source of shared pride,” he added.

Various traditional Sentani cultural attractions will be showcased at FDS 2026, including the tradition of diving while smoking a cigarette, traditional dances, and various cultural performances by the indigenous communities of Jayapura Regency. The event will also feature free coffee tasting as an effort to promote authentic Jayapura coffee to tourists.

The Sentani Lake Festival is scheduled to take place from 1–5 September 2026, with the series of activities commencing on 20 August 2026.