BANGGAI TIMES – The international cultural festival, Lipu Celebes International Festival, officially kicked off in Luwuk City, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, on Tuesday evening (November 11, 2025).
This year, the festival, a source of pride for the Banggai people, was especially special. Arts delegations from four countries, the Philippines, South Korea, Mexico, and Estonia, participated, showcasing intercultural harmony on the shores of enchanting Lalong Bay.
The festival was opened by the Deputy Regent of Banggai, Furqanudin Masulili, representing the Governor of Central Sulawesi. The festive atmosphere was palpable from the afternoon as delegates presented cultural parades and artistic collaborations in the green open space of Lalong Bay, the centerpiece of the entire series of activities that will run until November 15.
Culture Is a Shared Responsibility
In his opening remarks, the Head of the Banggai Regency Education and Culture Office, Syafrudin Hinelo S.STP. M.Si, represented by the Head of the Cultural Division, Subrata Kalape, S.Pd.,, emphasized that organizing the Lipu Celebes International Festival is part of the regional government’s responsibility to advance culture, as mandated by Law Number 5 of 2017.
“Banggai Regency, through the Education and Culture Office, will continue to be at the forefront of cultural advancement. Through this festival, we want to demonstrate that Banggai is capable of synergizing with the international community,” said Subrata before invited guests and foreign delegates.
He also added that the festival is expected to be a concrete step towards increasing Banggai’s international recognition as a region rich in cultural heritage and creative arts potential. Meanwhile, Banggai Deputy Regent Furqanudin Masulili, in his remarks, welcomed all guests and festival participants.
He hoped that the presence of foreign delegates and artists from various regions would have a positive impact on the community, especially local Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “Luwuk City is a city of water, a city open to everyone”.
We hope your presence will benefit the people of Banggai, especially those in the creative economy,” he said. Furqanudin then read the official address of the Governor of Central Sulawesi, Dr. H. Anwar Hafid, M.Si., conveyed a message about the importance of character building, mutual cooperation, and innovation in preserving regional cultural heritage.
“This festival is not just an annual event, but a reflection of our passion for introducing natural beauty, creativity, and local wisdom to the world,” he said in a written address.
“We want the young generation of Central Sulawesi to become more than just spectators, but to become key players in a competitive cultural and tourism industry,” he continued.
The Lipu Celebes International 2nd Festival is now a key event on the Central Sulawesi tourism calendar. In addition to showcasing international cultural performances, the festival also features traditional culinary exhibitions, handicrafts, and modern ethnic music performances.
For the people of Banggai, this event is not only a form of entertainment but also an economic opportunity. Numerous MSME vendors filled the Lalong Bay area, taking advantage of the festival’s momentum to promote local products such as woven fabrics, Banggai coffee, and regional seafood specialties. With the sound of the opening gong, the 2025 Lipu Celebes International Festival officially began, symbolizing that from Lalong Bay, the echo of Banggai culture now resonates on the world stage. *
