Celebrating the End of the Year through Cultural Stories at Taman Mini

JAKARTA - Entering the Christmas and New Year (NATARU) period, tourism is no longer only understood as a recreational trip. In many destinations, tourism has evolved into a learning space, a meeting space for generations, and a medium for understanding cultural identity. The experience presented is no longer in the form of objects, but memories and stories that are attached to the visitor's journey.

This approach is now widely applied in the management of cultural destinations in Indonesia. One of them can be seen in the management of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) which has entered its 50th year and continues to adapt to the needs of the times.

Unlike NATARU in 2024-2025, this year TMII will present multisensory cultural and non-cultural activations ranging from live performances and traditions, Nusantara cuisine ready to pamper the tongue, and modern music blended with traditional nuances from December 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

All series of events will prioritize customer experience with culture as DNA. Taking the theme "The gift from the Cultural Tour is a meaningful story".

The President Director of InJourney Destination Management (IDM), Febrina Intan, explained that the transformation of destinations must start from the way of looking at the visitor experience.

"The momentum of NATARU has always been synonymous with a moment to share useful gifts with family and loved ones. However, the gift is not always in the form of objects, but rather a meaningful and joyful experience," said Febrina, when met at TMII, Jakarta on Friday, December 19, 2025.

According to him, tourist destinations need to be designed as a space for cross-generational togetherness.

"Each destination we design with a core event and programs that are relevant for various generations, so that every visit presents a meaningful story," he explained.

As one of the national cultural destinations, TMII is now carrying out a more integrated experience approach. Febrina said that TMII is no longer positioned as a short destination, but rather an exploration space that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

"When you enter Taman Mini, we work seriously on how this destination provides a seamless experience. From the entrance, the culture is welcomed, there are dances, there are family activities," said Febrina.

He added that this concept allows each family member to find their own space.

"If the father wants to watch a concert, the mother does not die in style. There is a workshop for mothers and children. The memory is endless and it is not enough in one day," he said.

According to Febrina, this experience is strengthened by the diversity of activities.

"From morning to night there will be no end. We see concerts, there is culture, we taste the food of Nusantara. From Aceh to Yogyakarta, everything is here," he said.

Acting President Director of TMII, Ratri Paramita, emphasized that TMII's transformation is not only focused on entertainment, but also on the values of education, sustainability, and social impact.

"TMII today has evolved into a modern cultural destination that is educational, inclusive, environmentally friendly, and has a sustainable impact on society," said Ratri.

He called the NATARU moment an opportunity to strengthen the meaning of togetherness.

"This NATARU momentum is not just entertainment, but a cultural and communal momentum. We want to give a gift through the Cultural Tour at TMII as a meaningful story," he explained.

In addition, TMII also involves local actors in various activities.

"We empower more than 50 MSMEs, local artisans, to cultural communities. Hopefully, visitors will have an unforgettable positive experience," added Ratri.

Cultural collaboration is also reflected in the presence of national musicians, one of which is the Sland band. Kaka (Akhadi Wira Satriaji), the main vocalist of Slank, sees TMII as an ideal destination for cultural and music festivals.

"This is really exciting, there is a festival in a small Indonesia. The nuances of Indonesia, traditions, and music can be blended," said Kaka.

He assessed that this approach opens up great opportunities in the future. According to Kaka, the strength of the festival is not only on the music stage, but on cultural identity.

"There are distinctive Indonesian characteristics that mark it. That's what makes people remember," he said.

From the organizer's side, Danny K. Armananta, President Director of Gebyar Komunikasi, emphasized that the year-end festival was designed as an inclusive space for all walks of life.

"Sorak Sorai Festival 2.0 is designed as an inclusive cultural celebration, family-friendly, child-friendly, relevant for young generations, and still raises the richness of the Nusantara heritage," said Danny.

He emphasized that the entire series of events was packaged as an experience.

"All of our programs are packaged as 'experience gifts' for visitors who want to celebrate the end of the year in a different way," he said.

In addition to Slank, this festival will present music concerts from top musicians such as Barasuara, NDX, Vieratalle, and Soulfu. There will also be fireworks, various culinary Nusantara, art installations, dancing fountain attractions, and family activities designed to create a warm and inclusive holiday experience.