Labuan Bajo Street Carnival - A Lively Community Fair As A Side Event for ASEAN Summit 2023

One of the Side Events of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, "Pasar Rakyat - Labuan Bajo Street Carnival" was successfully held at the Wae Kesambi Square in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara on Sunday, 7 May 2023. Approximately 1,000 people were enthusiastic in enjoying the event, which was filled with various activities, MSME booths, and live music performances that successfully amplified the euphoria of the local residents. This community fair was held as an effort to support the implementation of the ASEAN Summit 2023 as a driving force for economic revival as well as opening business and employment opportunities for the people of Labuan Bajo and around.

The community fair is also designed to increase people’s participation as well as to entertain tourists. Therefore, through this activity, it is hoped that the public can feel like they are also an important part of the ASEAN Summit held in Labuan Bajo. At this event, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs. Angela Herliani Tanoesoedibjo was also present accompanied by her staff.

Want to know how cheerful the community party was? Let’s find out in this article!

Take A Glance of the Community Fair - Labuan Bajo Street Carnival

Believe it or not, this one was a long-awaited event for all the people in Labuan Bajo. A total of 10 performances have succeeded in lighting up the spirit of the community in Wae Kesambi Field, including the Drumband of SMA N 1 Komodo, Solo SLBN Komodo music performances, Animal Pop Komodo, Labuan Bajo Energi Small Sasando, Fire Dance, Stand Up Comedy from Itok Aman, Band De Grow, Kamus Band , Nostra Band, Mukarakat, and DJ Songke. Apart from music performances, there were also cultural performances in the form of traditional dances from local art studios.

Many Interesting Local MSMEs Participated in This Event

Apart from the stage performances, visitors were also curious in finding out about many unique and interesting MSME stands here. The booth provided in this event used a traditional house concept, nicely designed using wood and palm fiber roofs. At first, only 60 MSMEs were involved in this activity, but the number increased to 72 MSMEs, consisting of culinary, craft and fashion curated by Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority Implementation Agency (BPOLBF) in collaboration with the Labuan Bajo Tourism Office. There were also 3 food trucks filled with Wings, Golomory Coffee and Markobar, which were all attractively packaged and presented a national standard quality.

A Well-Organized Waste Management and Parking Efficiency

One important thing that also needs to be appreciated from the community fair at the Side Event of the 42nd ASEAN Summit was the waste management and parking efficiency. This event collaborated with the "Kole Project" waste management initiative, which recycles waste to be sorted and cleaned. After that, the plastic bottle recycling agency will process it into ready-to-use bottles. On the other hand, parking arrangements were also carried out in an orderly and neat manner due to the participation of Karang Taruna or Local Youth Organization. The smooth traffic in the event area was also aptly maintained due to good arrangements in collaboration with the local police.

In Labuan Bajo for A While? Stop by These Awesome Places!

Labuan Bajo has become one of the five Super Priority Destinations in Indonesia. Therefore, there are a lot of excitements you can get while being there. Check out some of our recommendations below!

Experiencing the Calming Nature and Authentic Culture of Labuan Bajo in Tololela Village

A journey into nature? Immersing into the native culture? Why not both? Here in Tololela Village, a traditional settlement situated on a foot of Mount Inerie, you can feel the breeze of the calming atmosphere while you learn about the culture as well.

Apart from still maintaining the customs of the ancestors, this village also has a unique traditional house, which is made of wood with thatched roofs. There are some other historical buildings, such as the old sharp tombstone located in the middle of the field and Ngadu Baga or miniature buildings dedicated to honoring the Father (Ngadu) and Mother (Baga). Interesting, right?

Swimming with the Manta Rays in Manta Point

When you’re in Labuan Bajo, diving into the deep turquoise sea water is a must. You know what’s also better? Swimming with the world's largest stingray, namely the manta ray! If you’re excited to do this, then stop by Manta Point, which is located in the waters of Gusung Island. The best time to visit here is in the morning or afternoon. This is because the sea water is much calmer. Also, usually at that time, the manta fish will come to the surface. Keep in mind that before diving, you must comply with the protocol for your own safety and convenience. Have fun enjoying some cute moments with the manta rays!

Roaming at the Depths of Rangko Cave, One of the Hidden Paradise in Labuan Bajo

Life, especially nature itself, is full of hidden wonders. Don’t believe it? Take a glance at this charming gem of Rangko Cave. Located in Rangko Village, words cannot describe how enchanting the stalactite structure is within this cave, especially with the marvelous discreet pond at the bottom of the cave. This saltwater pool is directly connected to the sea and looks aesthetically pleasing when sunlight enters through the cracks of the cave. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it?

Now that you have learned more about the community fair in Labuan Bajo, this destination sounds even more interesting to be put in your holiday bucket list, right? Therefore, if this article makes you want to visit or explore any other parts of Indonesia, you can follow our social media accounts on Instagram as well as @creativebyindonesia, our official Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok channel for updated information regarding travel and creative economy in Indonesia.