Serving as a Global Tourism Showcase, Garut International Kite Festival Attracts 13 Countries
The Garut Regency Government is supporting the Garut International Kite Festival (GKF) held at the foothills of Mount Papandayan, Cisurupan District, Garut, West Java. This international-scale event attracted thousands of visitors and serves as a platform for tourism promotion and the strengthening of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Regent of Garut, Abdusy Syakur Amin, expressed his appreciation and noted the collaboration between various parties, including PT Menara Graha 165, Asgar Jaya, Desa Emas Indonesia, and the Malaysian Paragliding Council. He stated that the Garut Regency is committed to supporting similar events in the future, noting that this particular event was independently initiated by an event organiser.
“The Garut Regency Government is ready to facilitate improved accessibility and the repair of supporting infrastructure to ensure broader economic and social impacts. I hope that in the future, this will be better known within the international community, not just among the paragliding community, but also for off-road enthusiasts, and most importantly, preparing our culture to be welcomed by 13 countries,” said Abdus0adsy Syakur Amin on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the organising committee, Hariyo Puguh Witjaksono, revealed that enthusiasm from residents and participants was extraordinary, with visitor numbers exceeding 4,300 people. The location in the Garut mountains was chosen to create a unique new destination to attract international tourists and introduce the beauty of Garut to the world stage.
“The Garut International Kite Festival (GKF) in Papandayan, Cisurupan District, featured participants from 13 countries, including Sweden, China, Japan, Switzerland, Thailand, Singapore, France, Belgium, Korea, the Philippines, and Malaysia, as well as domestic participants from West Java, Bali, Yogyakarta, South Sumatra, Central Java, East Java, and Jakarta,” he said.
The President of the Malaysian Paragliding Council (MPM), Datuk A. Rahim Nin, expressed admiration for the natural beauty and cool mountain air of Garut, noting the safety and tranquillity of the location. “I have received feedback from paragliders that this place is very interesting; one can fly in fresh, cool, and cold weather. Our group from Malaysia consisted of 10 people,” he shared.
Additionally, the Secretary General of Asgar Jaya, Dadang Waldiman, noted that the art of kite flying is more than just entertainment, as it carries deep life philosophies regarding balance and self-control.