PENTAS x WAP 2026 Event in Labuan Bajo Attracts 1,044 Visitors
Kupang, NTT — The PENTAS x Weekend at Parapuar (WAP) 2026 event, a collaboration between the Labuan Bajo Flores Development Agency (BPOLBF) and the Ministry of Tourism, attracted 1,044 visitors to enjoy cultural performances, music, and sunset panoramas in the Parapuar area, Labuan Bajo, on Saturday (6/6/202scale).
Acting President Director of BPOLBF, Andhy MT Marpaung, stated that the activity is part of an effort to strengthen the appeal of land-based tourism in Labuan Bajo through the organisation of high-quality and sustainable events. “PENTAS x Weekend at Parapuar serves as an example of how collaboration can deliver a high-quality tourism experience while simultaneously providing economic benefits to the community,” said Andhy.
He explained that PENTAS, or ‘Pagelaran Event di Destinasi Prioritas’ (Event Showcases in Priority Destinations), is a Ministry of Tourism programme that provides a platform for artists, cultural practitioners, and the creative economy sector to showcase their best works to the public and tourists. For this edition of PENTAS x Weekend at Parapuar, BPOLBF and the Ministry of Tourism adopted a concept of enjoying the twilight in the Parapuar area alongside cultural and musical performances, featuring Maluku singer Justy Aldrin as the main guest star.
The evening atmosphere in the Parapuar hills was enlivened by performances of the Rangkuk Alu dance by Sanggar I Production, the Caci dance performed by the Labuan Bajo Kindergarten, and flute music by Embun, all accompanying the sunset. Andhy noted that the collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism is a strategic step in strengthening the event ecosystem in Labuan Bajo while empowering local communities and creative economy actors. He expressed hope that Parapuar would develop into a vibrant public space where tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of Labuan Bajo while interacting with local arts, culture, and creativity.
Furthermore, he stated that such events are part of the effort to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism in Labuan Bajo, Flores. Meanwhile, Eni Komiarti, Head of the Promotion and Partnership Division for Regional Event Implementation at the Ministry of Tourism, said the collaboration stemmed from a shared vision to strengthen the event industry and the regional creative economy. “The PENTAS and Weekend at Parapuar collaboration is a manifestation of our joint commitment to provide a space for appreciation and support for tourism event, art, culture, and creative economy actors in Labuan Bajo,” she said.
She added that high-quality activities serve as a means to introduce the richness of local culture, performing arts, and creativity to tourists, in addition to promoting the destination. The event also provided an economic impact for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved. One culinary MSME owner, Kuliner Sekangku, reported an increase in sales due to the high number of visitors. The entrepreneur expressed hope that culture-based events would be held more frequently, involving local MSMEs so that economic benefits can be felt more widely by the community.
International tourists also expressed their appreciation. Bailey, a tourist from Canada who attended the event, was impressed by the experience of enjoying the sunset, music, and local culture in Parapuar. “If you want to enjoy one of the most beautiful sides of West Manggarai, this is the best place to witness the sunset, accompanied by incredible music and such rich culture,” he said.