KBRN, Serang: Farmers in Serang Regency are not just reaping rice, they are cultivating a unique blend of agriculture and cultural heritage to enrich their local economy.

The Communication Forum of Joint Farmers Groups (Gapoktan) of Padarincang Subdistrict, Serang Regency, Banten, is hosting the inaugural Sangga Nagara Festival in conjunction with World Food Day (HPS) from October 14–16, 2025, to prominently feature the potential of local farmers.

The focus of the three-day event is to translate agricultural bounty into tangible economic benefits for the community. Ida Nuraida, Assistant for General Administration to the Serang Regency Head, expressed optimism about the festival’s impact.

“We hope that this 'Ngaruwat Bumi' festival will bring high profit from the perspective of the people's economy,” said Ida in Serang, Banten Province, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, as reported by antaranews.com.

Ida highlighted Padarincang’s significant role as a rice barn for Serang Regency, boasting 3,300 hectares of rice fields, alongside its reputation as a producer of various fruits and spices. This immense potential, she added, is perfectly aligned with the festival’s theme, which is 'Sowing Hope, Reaping Glory'.

“I have high hopes that this event can be held continuously every year,” continued Ida.

According to Haris Munandar, the Festival Committee Chairperson, the core objective is to integrate the agricultural sector with local arts and culture, all while putting the farmers themselves at the center of the activities.

"The goal is to elevate all the potential available in our region to advance the area, especially Serang Regency and Banten Province," Haris explained.

The festival features a vibrant display of local arts, including Kuda Kepang, Bendrong, and Perang Ujung. A central ritual of the celebration is "Ngaruwat Bumi" (cleansing the earth), which serves as a profound expression of gratitude to the Creator for an abundant harvest.

"Ngaruwat bumi is an expression of gratitude and a prayer to protect our crops from pest and disease attacks,” Haris revealed.

Seventeen separate events are scheduled over the three days, ranging from a marhaba competition and Istighosah (mass prayer) to a kite festival, an agricultural exhibition and carnival, and a parade of a thousand Rudat dancers.

Haris added that a number of dignitaries are slated to attend the event on the second day, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, including Presidential Envoy for Tourism Zita Anjani, Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto, and Serang Regent Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah. ***