TANAH DATAR, kiprahkita.net – The Tanah Datar Regency Government officially launched the annual Festival Pesona Minangkabau (FPM) 2024 on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the iconic Istano Basa Pagaruyung.
Drawing thousands of attendees, this highly anticipated event, which runs until December 8, 2024, is part of the signature Satu Nagari Satu Event program aimed at highlighting local culture and heritage.
The opening ceremony was inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism, represented by the Director of Human Resource Development and Creative Economy at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Fahmy Akmal.
Distinguished attendees included the Financial Affairs Advisor to the West Sumatra Provincial Government, Syaiful Bahri, Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra, members of the Provincial and Regency DPRD, the Regional Secretary, local community leaders, and numerous invited guests.
In his address, Regent Eka Putra emphasized the festival's vital role in preserving Minangkabau culture.
“FPM is a celebration of the arts and the unique wisdom of Minangkabau culture, known both nationally and internationally. As the historical homeland of the Minangkabau people, Tanah Datar has a responsibility to safeguard this cultural heritage from the erosion of time,” he said.
Eka further expressed hope that the festival would serve as a catalyst for the revival of traditional arts and culture following recent natural disasters such as the eruption of Mount Marapi and landslides (galodo).
“With the support of all stakeholders, God willing, our tourism sector will grow even stronger,” he added.
Fahmy Akmal lauded the Tanah Datar Government’s commitment to cultural preservation, noting that FPM 2024 is one of six events from West Sumatra included in the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2024, a prestigious national tourism calendar.
“This event exemplifies strong collaboration and high-quality organization, blending the unique traditions and cultural richness of Minangkabau,” Fahmy remarked.
Secretary of the Region and FPM 2024 Chairperson Iqbal Ramadi Payana outlined the event’s diverse lineup. Highlights include showcasing the potential of nagari (villages) across Tanah Datar, a Minangkabau Cultural Parade, art performances, Minangkabau silat and songket exhibitions, the Pagaruyung Fashion Show, a matrilineal festival, and displays of cultural heirlooms.
Additional attractions include photography exhibitions, traditional Minangkabau cuisine, a coffee village, a photography contest, communal feasts (makan bajamba), an MSME market, and the traditional pacu jawi (cow racing).
During the opening ceremony, awards were presented to nagari active in the Satu Nagari Satu Event program. Villages recognized for hosting multiple events included Nagari Padang Ganting, Nagari Barulak, and Nagari Atar.
For first-time organizers, the winners were:
- 1st Place: Nagari Rambatan (Score: 1,994)
- 2nd Place: Nagari Tapi Selo (Score: 1,908)
- 3rd Place: Nagari Tanjung Barulak (Score: 1,892)
Representing the West Sumatra Provincial Government, Syaiful Bahri emphasized the importance of creating a tourism environment that reflects the principles of Sapta Pesona Pariwisata (seven charms of tourism): safety, orderliness, cleanliness, coolness, beauty, hospitality, and memorable experiences.
“We hope that FPM 2024 will run smoothly and make a positive contribution to the local economy and tourism sector,” Syaiful stated.
As a celebration of Minangkabau’s vibrant heritage, FPM 2024 stands as a symbol of cultural and economic resilience for Tanah Datar and reinforces West Sumatra's prominence on the national tourism map.(mus)
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