RRI.CO.ID, Ambon - The annual Ketupat Festival in Telaga Kodok Village, Leihitu Subdistrict, Central Maluku, returned with a grand celebration on May 30, 2026.

First introduced in 2022 as a grassroots tradition to strengthen social ties after Eid al-Adha, the event has quickly grown into a cherished cultural fixture along the Leihitu coastline.

Built entirely on the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), local residents independently managed fundraising, cooking, and preparation.

This year, the community served a record 40,552 ketupat, surpassing last year’s total of about 39,000.

Tens of thousands of rice cakes, paired with Maluku side dishes and local specialties, were distributed free of charge to visitors and residents, allowing everyone to eat their fill at any stall. The festival also featured 48 community booths offering refreshments and regional products, providing a direct boost to household incomes.

The Maluku Provincial Administration praised the festival and is working to establish it as a premier cultural tourism attraction capable of drawing domestic and international travelers. Regional Secretary Sadali Ie emphasized that behind the simple culinary presentation lies a profound philosophy of togetherness and harmony.

“The Ketupat Festival is a cultural heritage that embodies strong values of brotherhood and cooperation. Traditions like this must continue to be preserved by the younger generation,” Sadali said in Ambon on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The administration views the festival as a vital platform to safeguard local traditions while reinforcing Maluku’s identity as a tolerant and harmonious society. Staged shortly after Eid al-Adha, the event symbolizes solidarity and peaceful coexistence within Maluku’s diverse social fabric.

Highlighting this year’s themes, “Datang sebagai tamu, pulang sebagai keluarga” (Come as a guest, leave as family) and “Satu ketupat seribu cerita” (One ketupat, a thousand stories), officials concluded that the festival reflects Maluku’s hospitality, where every visitor is welcomed with an open heart and treated as family. ***