SENTANI — The 15th Sentani Lake Festival (FDS XV–2026) officially concluded in Jayapura Regency on Saturday (September 5, 2026), in a vibrant atmosphere marked by strong public enthusiasm. More than 15,000 visitors attended the closing ceremony, which featured traditional Papuan dances and songs, followed by a fireworks display that added to the festive atmosphere.

Held under the theme “My Culture, My Life,” FDS XV served as a platform for cultural exchange and interaction, tourism promotion, creative economic development, and community togetherness.

Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri commended the Jayapura Regent and Deputy Regent for successfully organizing the large-scale event despite fiscal constraints. He also expressed appreciation to the ondoafi/ondofolo, customary leaders, local communities, and all stakeholders whose contributions transformed FDS into a platform for community solidarity, economic activity, and the strengthening of Papua’s cultural intellectual property.

“The theme ‘My Culture, My Life’ carries a very profound message. We must not become so absorbed in modernization that we forget our culture. FDS is an integral part of the Papua CERAH vision and should be promoted not merely as an annual event, but as a collective movement for cultural revival,” Fakhiri said.

He stressed that preserving culture is a shared responsibility, as cultural heritage must continue to be protected and passed on to future generations.

Meanwhile, Jayapura Regent Yunus Wonda said FDS XV featured 270 exhibition and business booths, with 190 occupied by Indigenous Papuans and the remainder by business operators from various parts of Indonesia.

Despite the implementation of efficiency measures, the festival succeeded in stimulating the local economy, with money circulation estimated at more than Rp1 billion. Wonda expressed his appreciation to the ondofii/ondofolo, customary leaders, local communities, and all stakeholders who supported the festival.

“FDS must not stop at being a ceremonial event. We want this festival to become a genuine driver of economic revival for the people of Jayapura, particularly small businesses and communities directly involved in the event,” Wonda said.

At the same event, Felix Wanggai, Chairman of the Papua Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Committee, emphasized that FDS XV had been selected as a national event representing Papua Province.

According to Wanggai, the festival carried three key messages: reviving small-scale economic activity, strengthening cultural identity, and protecting the environment.

“FDS is not simply about holding a festival. It carries three important messages: how we can revive small businesses, keep our culture alive, and protect the environment. We hope FDS can become a sustainable event in Jayapura Regency,” Wanggai said.

He expressed hope that the momentum generated by FDS XV would continue to be developed, creating long-term benefits for local communities while strengthening Papuan culture, the creative economy, and tourism. ***