Musi River Traffic Temporarily Stopped During The 80th Indonesian Anniversary Bidar Festival

PALEMBANG - The Port Authority and Port Authority (KSOP) Office of Palembang, South Sumatra, will temporarily stop ship traffic on the Musi River during the Bidar Boat Festival on August 15, 2025. This festival will be held in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

"KSOP Palembang has temporarily suspended ship traffic on the Musi River for Bidar activities in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia," said Head of KSOP Palembang, First Admiral TNI Idham Faca in Palembang, Antara, Friday, August 1.

According to Idham, an official notification has been submitted to the Palembang City Government so that the festival can take place safely and smoothly.

"We hope that this activity, which is the pride of the residents of Palembang City, can be lively and successful," he said.

The Bidar Boat Festival is a traditional boat racing competition filled with rowers from various regions. This competition is part of the tradition of Palembang residents in welcoming Indonesian Independence Day.

This annual event is always held on the Musi River, with the iconic Ampera Bridge background. Thousands of residents usually crowded the riverbanks, Ampera bridge, Musi VI Bridge, and even witnessed from small boats belonging to local residents.

The Palembang City Government targets the number of spectators at the 2025 Bidar Festival to exceed 60,000 people, given the high enthusiasm of the community in recent years.

Head of the Palembang City Tourism Office, Sulaiman Amin, said last year the number of festival spectators reached around 60,000 people. This year, he is optimistic that this number can increase along with the increasing interest of domestic and foreign tourists.

"The Bidar 2025 Boat Festival will be held on August 15' 17 on the Musi River, to coincide with the celebration of the Republic of Indonesia's anniversary," said Sulaiman.

This festival is not only a cultural tradition, but also a driving force for the regional economy. The presence of large numbers of visitors is believed to have a positive impact on MSME players and the tourism sector in Pempek City.