Gebyar Ketupat Nusantara in Bone Bolango Celebrated with 1,015 Bowls of Milu Siram

RRI.CO.ID, Bone Bolango - The border between Pauwo and Tumbihe in the Kabila District, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo, transformed into a vibrant culinary hub on Saturday, March 28, 2026. To mark the opening of the 15th Gebyar Ketupat Nusantara (traditional food festival after Eid al-Fitr), organizers served exactly 1,015 portions of the iconic Gorontalo corn soup, Milu Siram (also known as Binte Biluhuta), free of charge to the public.

The specific number of servings 1,015, was chosen as a symbolic tribute to the 15-year journey of the Kompak Perpat youth group, which has consistently organized this festival since 2013. Under the theme "Weaving Tradition, Sowing Togetherness, Prospering Culture," the event has evolved from a local gathering into a significant cultural crossroads.

Bone Bolango Regent Ismet Mile expressed his admiration for the event's growth, noting that the name "Nusantara" reflects an incredible spirit of inclusivity.

“Bone Bolango has become a meeting point for various backgrounds, from Aceh to Papua,” he remarked during the opening ceremony, as quoted by Infopublik.id, on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The 2026 edition marks a turning point for the festival due to new formal support from the provincial legislature. Chairman of Kompak Perpat, Suleman Adadau, highlighted that while the event was built on community independence, this year they received backing through the "Pokir" (aspiration funds) of Provincial DPRD member Samsir Djafar Kiayi.

The initial support for the festival manifested in 30 hospitality tents lining the streets of the Pauwo-Tumbihe border, but Samsir Djafar Kiayi has already announced ambitious plans to scale up the event.

The primary infrastructure target involves expanding the current setup to include 200 units of hospitality tents to accommodate more visitors. By growing the festival's capacity, officials aim to establish the area as a tourism icon, officially positioning the Kabila District as a premier cultural tourism destination within Gorontalo.

Ultimately, this expansion is designed to create a lasting economic impact, ensuring that the preservation of local tradition also provides a tangible and sustainable financial boost to the residents of the community.

The festivities, which lasted until late afternoon, featured a variety of traditional folk games and competitions alongside the culinary feast. High-ranking officials, including representatives from the Gorontalo Governor’s office and the Regional Secretary of Bone Bolango, attended to show their support.

By blending the warmth of local cuisine with the spirit of national unity, the Gebyar Ketupat Nusantara has successfully positioned the border region of Pauwo-Tumbihe as a sustainable model for cultural preservation and community-led tourism. ***