West Java Legislator Urges Kite Festival to Become Annual Event
Garut — Aten Munajat, a member of the West Java Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) representing the Garut Regency constituency, is pushing for the International Kite Festival held in Garust to become an annual event due to its potential to drive the local economy and tourism. “Moving forward, it is hoped that this festival can become an annual agenda included in both the West Java and national tourism calendars,” said Aten Munajat in Garut on Sunday.
While inspecting the Kite Festival at Tepas Papandayan, Cisurupan District, Garut, Aten expressed pride that an international event involving 13 countries, including Indonesia, could be hosted in Garut. He noted that the International Kite Festival serves as a positive platform that not only provides entertainment for the public but also elevates the profile of West Java, and specifically Garut Regency, on the international stage.
He mentioned that the event, which attracts large crowds, has a positive impact on stimulating the local economy, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and culinary sectors, as well as benefiting MSMEs and the creative economy. “It will certainly be able to increase tourist visits, which in turn impacts the economic growth of the community and various other business sectors,” Aten stated.
He expressed hope that similar agendas could be held annually, rotating through various locations with tourism potential within Garut Regency and other areas in West Java, ensuring that economic benefits and regional promotion are more evenly distributed. He added that the quality of the event could be further improved by involving more participants from various countries and Indonesian provinces.
Furthermore, he noted that involving more local communities and increasing promotion could serve as a momentum for the preservation of arts and culture. “This festival is expected to become a platform for cultural preservation, the development of ‘sport tourism’, and family tourism, while simultaneously strengthening West Java’s image as a world-class tourist destination,” he concluded.