LABUAN BAJO, 14 August 2026 – That day, thousands of Catholics, joined by people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, participated in the Maria Assumpta Nusantara Procession—a key event of the Golo Koe Festival 2026. This grand procession, traversing both land and sea, serves as a tangible manifestation of the festival’s overarching theme: “A Communal Pilgrimage in Synergistic Communion to Care for the Integrity of Creation.”
Father Yohanes Fakundo Selman, General Chairman of the Golo Koe Festival, explained that the pilgrimage—conducted at sea aboard pinisi boats and on land across seven stations—conveys a message about preserving the integrity of Labuan Bajo’s natural environment. The active participation of local residents, the government, and various communities in this procession aims to ensure that Labuan Bajo’s tourism sector grows rooted in local wisdom and remains sustainable for future generations.
He further explained that, within the Catholic faith tradition, a pilgrimage to a Marian Grotto is not merely a physical journey but an act of faith—a way to reflect on human life as a pilgrimage toward the Creator as the ultimate destination. In this journey, the Blessed Mother is upheld as a model of faithfulness who brings hope and joy to those grappling with life’s challenges. Through this procession, the faithful are invited to “journey together” in a spirit of inclusive, synodal fellowship.
This afternoon’s procession showcases Labuan Bajo as a harmonious “Shared Home,” brought to life through the participation of diverse ethnic groups and cultures. The Lamaholot people set a solemn tone by accompanying the statue of the Virgin Mary during the procession in the Kampung Ujung area. Meanwhile, the Ngadha-Bajawa community gave the statue and the accompanying group a festive welcome with the Ja’i dance upon their arrival at the Labuan Bajo Waterfront City Marina following the sea procession.
The procession began at 15:30 WITA at the Stella Maris Chapel, followed by a sea procession involving 12 pinisi ships and dozens of ketinting boats. The overland pilgrimage then proceeded along Jalan Soekarno-Hatta, concluding at the Golo Koe Hill Marian Grotto in the evening for the closing service.
The Golo Koe Festival 2026—which has been named one of the Top 10 events in the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program—will culminate on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with the Grand Marian Assumption Eucharistic Celebration at Waterfront City.
“Stepping Together, Restore the Earth.”
Contact Person: Heribertus Ratu (0813984619570),
Publication and Promotion Section, Golo Koe Festival Committee 2026
Website: festivalgolokoe.com
