Meti Kei Festival Promotes Tourism in Maluku

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In order to promote Southeast Maluku, the South Maluku Government held Meti Kei Charm Festival (FPMK) to honor the Meti tradition in Maluku.

"This tradition is held within the festival to help boost the tourism and economic sector since 2016," said Southeast Maluku Regent, M. Thaher Hunubun on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

Meti is the name given by East Indonesia residents for a phenomenon where sea-water recedes during a certain period every year. When that happen, the people of Southeast Maluku stormed the beach to catch fishes.

Thaher said that the festival will be filled with various activities to promote the local tourism sites and products. "This opportunity is useful for the growth of Kei tourism in Eastern Indonesia, as an environmentally-friendly destination," he said.

Nurjanah Yunus, Head Organizer of the Meti Kei Festival who's also the Head of Malra Tourism Office, said that this festival is held on October 21 to October 29, 2021.

On October 23, there will be a Carnival at Maren Langgur Stadium. Then on the next day, a kite competition at Ohoi Oholilir beach and extreme futsal is held at Ohoi Ohoidertavun on October 25, 2021.

"The Futsal match is held at the beach that has receded, hence the name," said Nurjanah.

In addition, there will be a rowing competition on October 26, 2021, at Ohoi Letman, followed by Hoping Island activities at Sepuluh Island on October 28, 2021, followed by a traditional fishing event called the Wer Warat also on the same day.

On the last day of the festival, there will be the Tour de Molluscas cycling event at Ngurbloat Ngilngof beach.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, extends his support for the Festival to help recover the tourism and economy sector following the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

"Meti Kei Festival can be held successfully, and big appreciation for Southeast Maluku Government for the courage to raise the tourism and economy during the pandemic," Sandiaga said.

ANTARA