Komodo Waterfront Festival 2025 Officially Launched, Highlighted by a Massive Songke Cloth Display Involving 1,507 Participants

LABUAN BAJO – The Komodo Waterfront Festival (KWF) 2025, carrying the theme “Bajo Heritage,” was officially opened today in Labuan Bajo with a spectacular cultural ceremony. The opening took place from 06.00 to 08.30 WITA and featured a colossal performance of the Manggarai Songke Cloth Unfurling, involving 1,507 participants from various community groups.

The opening series began with a Cultural Carnival from Puncak Waringin to Soekarno Hatta Street, right in front of Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo Hotel. Traditional dances, Manggarai’s signature attire, and various artistic performances brought the spirit of “Bajo Heritage” to life as the central theme of this year’s festival.

The highlight of the event was the massive unfurling of the Manggarai Songke Cloth, witnessed directly by:

• dr. Yulianus Weng, M.Kes – Deputy Regent of West Manggarai
• Ferry Snyders – President Director of PT Indonesia Ferry Property (IFPRO)

Several West Manggarai Forkopimda leaders were also present, including the Police Chief, Naval Base Commander, Military District Commander, and Subdistrict Military Commander. The event was further attended by the Chairs of ASITA and PHRI, representatives of educational institutions, and heads of regional government agencies (OPD) of West Manggarai Regency.

In his remarks, the Deputy Regent of West Manggarai stated that KWF is a moment to reaffirm Manggarai’s cultural identity.
“The Komodo Waterfront Festival is our stage to show the world that Labuan Bajo is not only blessed with natural beauty, but also with priceless cultural wealth,” he said.

The Songke Cloth Unfurling involved students and educators from various institutions, including Politeknik Elbajo Commodus, SMK Stella Maris, MAN Komodo, SMKN 1 Labuan Bajo, SMAN 1 Komodo, SMPN 1 Komodo, SMP Arnoldus, SMAK and SMPK St. Ignatius Loyola, as well as SMK St. Yosefa.

• The unfurling of thousands of Songke cloths symbolizes:
• The preservation of culture and pride in ancestral heritage
• A tribute to the cultural roots of West Manggarai
• The strengthening of Labuan Bajo’s image as a world-class tourism destination
• Community unity in welcoming visitors