Thousand Islands Maritime Festival features attractions ranging from water sports to culinary tourism.

indonesiatravelsport.com - The Thousand Islands is preparing the Maritime Festival as one initiative to boost tourism appeal for this island archipelago located just outside Jakarta. The festival is scheduled to run 19-20 September 2026, featuring a full line-up of sports, entertainment, recreation and culinary programmes.

The Kepulauan Seribu Regency Government intends for this festival to be more than just an entertainment event. It is also designed to attract greater tourist numbers and deliver direct economic benefits for local communities.

"The Maritime Festival will support efforts to increase visitor arrivals. This is certainly positive progress that will stimulate economic activity for local residents," stated Endro Mukti Wibowo, Assistant for Economic Administration and Development of Kepulauan Seribu Regency, during remarks in Jakarta.

The Maritime Festival will be hosted at the rear grounds of the North Thousand Islands Sub-District Office. Various maritime competitions and activities have been organised with participation open to both local fishermen and visiting tourists.

Planned activities include the Gema Seribu programme, Jetski Parallel Slalom, Stand Up Paddle Board, Speed Race, mangrove planting, island clean-up operations and live music performances.

By combining this diverse range of activities, organisers aim to deliver a multi-dimensional maritime tourism experience. Visitors will not only get to enjoy the natural island atmosphere, but also actively take part in the available sports and recreational programmes.

Endro further explained that the festival carries a core message about marine environmental protection. For this reason, conservation activities are held directly alongside the tourism and entertainment schedules.

"We hope this event will encourage greater public awareness and drive tangible action to protect our marine ecosystems," Endro added.

For the Thousand Islands, national public holidays and weekends represent critical opportunities to drive higher tourist volumes.

Fahmi Ardi Ramlan, Head of the Kepulauan Seribu Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, previously confirmed that the Thousand Islands remains a top holiday choice for local residents, thanks to its close proximity and easy access from Jakarta.

Tourists travelling from Jakarta and surrounding areas are able to enjoy a complete maritime tourism experience on short trips, without needing to travel long distances.

At the same time, organisers expect increased tourist arrivals to bring benefits beyond a positive visitor experience. Local communities are intended to feel the associated economic impact through tourism operations, food services, accommodation, transport and all supporting business sectors.

"We hope this event will activate local household economies, and that all visitors will also play their part to keep the island environment clean," Fahmi stated.

The dual objectives of the Maritime Festival are to establish the Thousand Islands as a leading tourism destination, and to build widespread public awareness around environmental stewardship.

Water sports, entertainment and recreational activities will act as the gateway to showcase the full potential of this region to visiting tourists.