Semarang’s Iconic Festivals Join Indonesia’s 2026 National Tourism Calendar (KEN)

RRI.CO.ID, Semarang - The Semarang City Tourism Agency in Central Java has officially announced that the Old Town Festival (Festival Kota Lama) and the Cheng Ho Festival have been selected for the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026.

This prestigious list, curated by the Ministry of Tourism, highlights Indonesia's most significant cultural and artistic events to drive national tourism.

In addition to these two festivals, the celebrated Semarang Night Carnival has also secured a spot in the KEN 2026 lineup. These selections underscore the consistency and growing prestige of Semarang's cultural scene on the national stage.

The Head of the Semarang City Tourism Agency, Indriyasari, noted that the 2026 edition of the Semarang Night Carnival, held on April 2, 2026, as part of the city’s anniversary celebrations, reached a new milestone.

"While in previous years only about 5 to 6 countries participated, this year there are 25 countries participating," Indriyasari said in Semarang on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Head of Promotion and Regional Event Partnerships, Eni Komiarti, revealed that for 2026, a total of 125 events from 38 provinces were selected for the KEN program. Central Java has emerged as a major powerhouse in this year’s calendar.

Central Java has established itself as a regional leader in the tourism sector, standing out as one of the provinces with the highest number of entries by boasting 11 events in total. The three national-scale events held in Semarang achieved this status through curated excellence, having been selected based on rigorous criteria and a consistent track record of performance over several years.

Furthermore, these events are strategically designed to create a significant economic impact by serving as primary magnets for both domestic and international tourists, thereby fostering local economic growth and ensuring long-term cultural preservation.

The inclusion of these festivals in KEN 2026 ensures that Semarang continues to be a focal point for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, particularly through its unique blend of colonial heritage, Chinese-Indonesian history, and modern creative festivities. ***