suararinjani.com, North Lombok – The Gili Festival 2025, held over three days from August 18 to 20, successfully attracted the attention of both tourists and local residents. A vibrant blend of cultural performances, traditional rituals, and MSME exhibitions turned the event into one of the most dynamic tourism agendas in North Lombok.
Staged at the popular destination of Gili Air, in Gili Indah Village, Pemenang District, the festival showcased a variety of traditional arts, including Presean, Gendang Beleq, Rudat, Tawaq-Tawaq, and various signature dances of North Lombok.
Festival Chairman, who is also the Head of the North Lombok Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD), Harun Zaenudin, explained that this year’s festival was packaged in a more colorful way.
“We opened on August 18 with art performances, followed by a local MSME exhibition. The final day, August 20, was the highlight with Larung Sesaji Mandi Safar Rabo Bontong, a traditional ritual led by community elders of Gili Air,” he said, Monday (18/08/2025).
This age old ritual of larung sesaji (sea offering) is believed to ward off misfortune. After prayers and customary processions, invited guests and residents joined together in bathing at the beach, symbolizing purification and a plea for safety.
Beyond highlighting local wisdom, the festival also promoted eco-friendly values. “We are campaigning for zero waste. All food was served without plastic, drinks were prepared using gallons, kettles, and glasse, no single, use plastic waste,” Harun emphasized.
North Lombok Deputy Regent, Kusmalahadi Syamsuri, who attended the festival, expressed appreciation to all involved. He highlighted that Gili Festival has been officially included in the 2025 Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) calendar.
“This is a pride for North Lombok. Moving forward, the festival will rotate across the three Gilis: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. This tradition is not merely ceremonial, but rich in prayers, remembrance, and hopes for blessings,” he stated.
Support also came from H.M. Taufik, a member of the North Lombok Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and a resident of Gili Indah. According to him, the festival gives a positive boost to MSMEs. “Culture and MSMEs are the main attractions. Tourism cannot be separated from them, and that is proven through the Gili Festival,” he said.
Meanwhile, Antonio Wasono Imam Prakoso, Head of HR and Organization Bureau of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, affirmed that the inclusion of Gili Festival among the 110 national events of KEN 2025 is a major achievement.
“This festival represents national recognition of North Lombok’s cultural richness. With the stunning backdrop of Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, the Gili Festival successfully blends art, tradition, and conservation. We hope this event will remain consistent and grow into a premier tourism magnet,” he said.
With its mix of ancestral traditions, creative innovations, and eco-conscious spirit, the Gili Festival 2025 is not only a cultural celebration but also a showcase of local economic potential and a world-class tourism attraction.
