Labuan Bajo, July 14, 2026 – The Diocese of Labuan Bajo, together with the West Manggarai Regency Government, officially launched the Labuan Bajo Maria Asumta Nusantara Golo Koe Festival. The Golo Koe Festival’s achievement of consistently ranking among the top 10 Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) events over the past two years is proof of the successful collaboration among various parties in promoting the cultural and religious richness of West Manggarai at the national level.
Furthermore, this fifth annual event is positioned as a space for strategic collaboration to build cross-sectoral synergy in developing tourism in Labuan Bajo that upholds dignity, respects culture, and protects the environment. In line with the Labuan Bajo Diocese’s 2026 pastoral direction, which focuses on “Synergistic Fellowship,” the Golo Koe Festival serves as a tangible instrument for unifying the direction of tourism development. This year’s theme, “Communal Pilgrimage in Synergistic Fellowship to Care for the Integrity of Creation,” emphasizes that progress in tourism can only be achieved through solid cooperation between the government, business operators, the local community, and the Church.
The Bishop of Labuan Bajo, Mgr. Maksimus Regus, stated that the Golo Koe Festival is both a “spiritual oasis” and a space for inner, social, and economic transformation.
“This festival is grounded in a spirit of togetherness and supported by collaboration across institutions, ranging from the local government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), to various community groups and MSME operators,” said Mgr. Maksimus.
Key Pillars of Tourism Development through Golo Koe Festival 2026
From the speech delivered on World Environment Day, which also marked the launch of the Golo Koe Festival on Thursday, June 4, 2026, we can summarize the four main pillars of tourism development promoted through the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival as follows. First, an inclusive economy that prioritizes the people. The Regent of West Manggarai, Edistasius Endi, issued a firm directive that economic opportunities within the festival be truly prioritized for small MSMEs, farmers, and local fishermen—not just enjoyed by large businesses. The goal is to create a “bonum commune” (common good) in which the local community actively participates in and benefits from the economic progress stemming from Labuan Bajo’s status as a Super Priority destination.
Second, respect for culture and religious harmony. The Golo Koe Festival 2026 is designed to be an inclusive festival that embraces ethnic and religious diversity in the spirit of brotherhood. Tourism is understood as a “pilgrimage of encounter” rooted in local wisdom and spirituality, yet remains open to everyone in the “shared home” of the Diocese of Labuan Bajo.
Third, ecological awareness and sustainability. In response to the “climate chaos” crisis, the Golo Koe Festival 2026 will amplify the Church’s prophetic voice on eco-friendly tourism. Through the tagline “Walking Together, Restoring the Earth,” the organizing committee mandates proper waste management, the reduction of single-use plastics, and concrete actions such as tree planting and coral reef restoration.
The festival’s series of events will begin with the Maria Assumpta Nusantara Procession, which will visit 26 parishes (July 10–August 5) and culminate on August 10–15, 2026, at Waterfront City Marina in Labuan Bajo. During the peak week, visitors will be treated to creative economy exhibitions, cultural performances, a carnival, and a grand procession on land and at sea.
The organizing committee invites all sectors of society—the government, the private sector, and the public—to make the Golo Koe Festival 2026 a starting point for tourism development that fosters harmony among people, culture, and the natural world.
“Walking Together, Restoring the Earth.”
Organizing Committee for the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival 2026
Media Contact: Publications and Promotion Section, RD Heribertus Ratu (081398461957)
