Segoro Topeng Kaliwungu becomes tourism-based economic driver
Lumajang, East Java (ANTARA) - The Segoro Topeng Kaliwungu 2026 colossal dance event is not merely an arts and cultural agenda, but also a tourism-based driver of the regional economy because it connects the tourism sector with various community economic activities.
“Cultural activities are part of the regional development strategy, oriented not only towards increasing tourist visits but also towards strengthening the community’s economy through the involvement of various mutually supportive business sectors,” said Head of the Lumajang Regency Tourism Office, Patria Dwi Hastiadi, in Lumajang on Friday.
According to him, tourism development in Lumajang is currently directed at broadening economic benefits, rather than simply increasing tourist arrival numbers. The tourism sector possesses significant leverage because it involves many business actors and interconnected economic activities, ranging from MSMEs, local transportation, accommodation providers, and creative economy actors, to suppliers of various local products.
“Tourism cannot be viewed as a stand-alone sector. Within it, there is a linkage with MSMEs, the creative economy, transportation, trade, and various community businesses that support each other,” he said.
He stated that every tourism agenda, including Segoro Topeng Kaliwungu, is not only aimed at attracting tourists but also serves as a means to stimulate community economic activity across various sectors. Tourism development is no longer focused on each destination separately, but rather encourages connectivity between tourist sites, business actors, and community groups so that the resulting economic benefits can be felt more widely.
“With this approach, tourist destinations, MSME actors, the creative economy sector, and various other support services can grow together in a mutually reinforcing ecosystem,” he said.
Patria explained that tourism success is not solely measured by the number of tourists arriving, but also by the extent to which tourism activity delivers tangible economic impact to the local community. “What we encourage is not just bustling crowds, but how the impact can tangibly drive the community’s economy,” he stated.
Through this approach, the Segoro Topeng Kaliwungu, scheduled for 27-28 June 2026, is expected not only to become an annual cultural agenda but also a driver of local economic growth capable of strengthening the tourism sector, MSMEs, the creative economy, as well as sustainably improving community welfare.