Lampung’s Blangikhan Tradition Drives National Tourism Economic Growth

RRI.CO.ID, Lampung Tengah – Indonesia’s Tourism Deputy Minister, Ni Luh Puspa, has hailed the traditional Blangikhan ceremony in Central Lampung, Lampung, as a prime example of community-led cultural heritage. She noted that such traditions serve as a powerhouse for both national tourism and economic resilience.

The Blangikhan tradition, also known as Blangiran, is a local tradition of the Lampung people, a self-purification ritual before the holy month of Ramadan. This process involves dousing oneself with water from seven springs, symbolizing physical and spiritual cleansing.

Speaking at Nuwo Balak on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Deputy Minister reframed local wisdom not merely as a relic of the past, but as a strategic asset for the country's competitive future.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the integration of spiritual and cultural traditions into the tourism ecosystem is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s national strategy. By involving local MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), the Blangikhan tradition has successfully transformed a sacred ritual into a catalyst for community empowerment and regional prosperity.

The Deputy Minister noted that this synergy is the "breath" of high-quality tourism that remains rooted in national identity while meeting global standards.

“This tradition shows that local wisdom is not just a heritage of the past, but a strength of the future that can become the foundation for sustainable tourism development,” remarked the Deputy Minister during her visit, as on the Tourism Ministry official website.

This grassroots success aligns with a surging trajectory in Indonesia’s tourism sector. Throughout 2025, international arrivals climbed to 15.39 million, a 10.8% year-on-year increase, while domestic travel reached a staggering 1.20 billion trips. With the national economy growing by 5.11% and a GDP reaching IDR 23.821 trillion (USD 1.41 billion), the tourism sector’s total contribution, including its multiplier effect, is estimated between IDR 946 trillion (USD 55.94 billion) and IDR 1.143 trillion (USD 67.59 billion).

The Deputy Minister pointed to the international recognition of sites like Pemuteran Tourism Village in Bali by UN Tourism as proof that Indonesia’s global edge lies in its authentic values. She expressed a firm commitment to elevating Lampung’s tourism villages to similar heights.

“We are pushing tourism villages in Lampung Province to become more high-quality and competitive, not only at the national level but also internationally,” she added.

To ensure this growth is lasting, the Deputy Minister called for broad collaboration between local administration, communities, and stakeholders to refine the Blangikhan tradition into a premier annual event.

“The Tourism Ministry is ready to support and collaborate to create an Indonesian tourism that is better, higher in quality, and more sustainable,” she affirmed.

Addressing the regional outlook, Lampung Deputy Governor Jihan Nurlela noted that while the province currently ranks 9th in Indonesia for tourist visits, significant hurdles remain in optimizing an integrated ecosystem. To bridge this gap, the provincial administration is planning the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to stimulate investment and local welfare.

“We ask for the prayers and support of the Tourism Deputy Minister so that this program can be realized and bring real benefits to the community,” said Jihan.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Lawmaker of the House of Representatives Commission VII, Rycko Menoza, and Acting Regent of Central Lampung , I Komang Koheri. Their presence signals a unified front in transforming Lampung's cultural treasures into a global tourism magnet. ***