RRI.CO.ID, Riau - The 2026 Water War Festival in Meranti Islands Regency, Riau Province, has emerged as one of Indonesia’s leading regional tourism events, drawing significant visitor movement and economic activity. The festival is part of the Ministry of Tourism’s Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026 program, which highlights top cultural events nationwide.

Acting Deputy for Event Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Vinsensius Jemadu, said the inclusion of the Water War Festival in KEN 2026 followed a rigorous selection process. More than 500 events from 38 provinces were evaluated before 125 were chosen for the national program.

He explained that the curation process was conducted independently by a professional team using comprehensive assessment indicators. These included concept originality, event management, financial governance, marketing strategy, and measurable economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

“Being included among the 125 Karisma Event Nusantara is a shared achievement for the people of Meranti Islands. It proves that local traditions can rise to the national stage,” Vinsensius said in a statement, Friday, 27 February 2026.

The 2026 festival, held as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, officially concluded on February 21, 2026, after a week-long celebration in Selatpanjang, the capital of Meranti Islands Regency. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered along Ahmad Yani Street, transforming the city center into a vibrant cultural arena.

During the festivities, participants rode trishaws around the city or lined the streets, playfully splashing water and throwing water-filled balloons at one another. The joyful exchanges created an atmosphere of unity that transcended social and ethnic boundaries.

The tradition originated from a long-standing Lunar New Year custom in Selatpanjang, when returning migrants would visit relatives by trishaw. Children accompanying them would playfully splash water at passing groups, a simple gesture that gradually evolved into a large-scale communal celebration.

Over time, the Water War Festival has become a symbol of cultural acculturation between the Chinese and Malay communities in Meranti. This year’s Lunar New Year period recorded 20,475 incoming passengers to the regency, a 1.79 percent increase compared to last year, boosting hotel occupancy, sea transport services, culinary businesses, and local small enterprises, including sago-based products that are a regional specialty.