BIAK | GEMA TIFA PAPUA – The Biak Numfor Regency Government has confirmed that preparations for the Biak Melanesia Cultural Festival have reached 99 percent completion. This was announced by Deputy Regent of Biak Numfor, Jimmy Carter Rumbarar Kapissa, S.H., accompanied by the Head of the Tourism Office, Turbey Onesimus Dangeubun, during a press conference held on Friday evening, October 16, 2026, at the Biak Youth Center, as final preparations were being completed.
The major cultural event, scheduled to take place from October 17 to 21, 2026, has undergone a strategic expansion in scope. After being held for two consecutive years, in 2024 and 2025, under the name “Biak Cultural Festival,” the organizers have added the word “Melanesia” to its name in its third year to broaden the event’s reach and impact.
Deputy Regent Jimmy Kapissa explained that the addition reflects an innovative response to challenges set by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, as well as an effort to implement the national strategic program known as “Asta Cita,” launched by President Prabowo Subianto.
“The Biak Numfor Regency Government is committed to implementing national programs, particularly those related to the development of disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost regions, while remaining firmly rooted in Melanesian identity. We are challenged to innovate every year rather than remain stagnant with the same program content. The inclusion of the word ‘Melanesia’ enriches our artistic and cultural heritage while providing a means of preserving our cultural roots for future generations,” Jimmy Kapissa emphasized.
Transforming Biak into a Cultural Hub
Addressing the current limitations in air connectivity, with most flight connections concentrated in Jayapura, the Biak Numfor Regency Government is taking strategic steps to position Biak as a “Cultural Hub.” This initiative is expected to attract tourists and cultural delegations from various regions, including Serui, Waropen, Jayapura, Maluku, North Maluku, and Southwest Papua.
“If air accessibility remains a challenge, we will establish Biak as a must-visit destination through the strength of its culture. We are not merely showcasing Biak culture; we are also welcoming our brothers and sisters from across the Melanesian community. We will even welcome international guests, including a delegation from Japan, the Ambassador of the Netherlands, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles,” he stated.
National Recognition and Economic Benefits for Local Communities
In a significant achievement, the Deputy Regent revealed that the Biak Melanesia Cultural Festival has officially been included in the central government’s Calendar of National Events (Kalender Event Nusantara/KEN).
With this recognition, Biak Numfor has become one of the few regencies and cities in Papua to have two events officially recognized under the KEN program: the Munara Wampasi Festival and the Biak Melanesia Cultural Festival.
Economically, the festival has been designed to generate direct benefits for local communities. The festival venue at the Biak Youth Center has deliberately incorporated traditional architecture inspired by the Rumsram, using locally sourced materials such as fruit-tree timber and sago roofing instead of relying predominantly on steel structures or modern tents.
“Part of the funding has been allocated as direct cash expenditure within the local community. Indigenous Papuans and local community members are directly involved as workers and suppliers of construction materials. This ensures that the economic benefits reach grassroots communities, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs),” he explained.
He added that the festival venue would not be dismantled immediately after the event. Instead, it would be repurposed sustainably to support the “Christmas Village” (Kampung Natal) program planned for December, in line with the work program of the Papua Provincial Government.
Maintaining Public Order and Enforcing the Alcohol Ban
As the festival approaches, the Deputy Regent has called on all members of the community, religious leaders, youth leaders, and security personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to work together to maintain peace and ensure that Biak Numfor remains a safe and welcoming destination.
The local government has also reaffirmed the prohibition on the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages throughout the festival period.
“We urge all traders to comply with the Regent’s official circular. Any violations will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The people of Biak Numfor are known for respecting the rules, upholding their faith, and maintaining the safety and order of their community,” he stressed.
With the participation of more than 6,000 people, including performers and cultural practitioners, the 2026 Biak Melanesia Cultural Festival is poised to become a showcase of civilization, cultural identity, and Melanesian heritage.
“Through the media, we want the world to know what Biak is, who the Biak people are, and what Melanesia represents. Melanesia for Biak, Melanesia for Papua, and Melanesia for Indonesia.
‘Salam Biak di Hati, Pesona Indonesia, Wonderful Indonesia, Elok Alamku, Pesona Budayaku’ (Biak in Our Hearts, the Charm of Indonesia, Wonderful Indonesia, the Beauty of Our Land, the Allure of Our Culture),” Deputy Regent Jimmy Carter Rumbarar Kapissa concluded at the press conference.
