Jababeka Wants to Create an Industrial Tourism City through the Implementation of the Sakura Matsuri Festival 2026

President Director of PT Graha Buana Cikarang Ivonne Anggraini (left) with the Acting Head of the Bekasi Regency Tourism Office Mien Aminah (left) and Chairman of the Japanese Alumni Association in Indonesia (KAJI) Fuad A. Kadir. (Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI)

Jababeka Cikarang City is once again presenting an international atmosphere by holding the 13th Sakura Matsuri Festival on July 26-27, 2026 at Hollywood Junction.

The annual Japanese-themed event is the result of collaboration between Jababeka and the Japanese Alumni Community in Indonesia (KAJI) and has become one of the largest cultural events that are awaited by local and foreign communities.

President Director of PT Graha Buana Cikarang Ivonne Anggraini said cultural diversity is one of the important indicators of a city's progress.

According to him, a global competitive city is not only built through economic growth and investment, but also through a community that is open to diversity and has space for collaboration.

"The presence of the international community, including the Japanese community which is one of the largest in Jababeka, not only contributes to economic and industrial growth, but also enriches the social and cultural life of the community. Sakura Matsuri is a representation of this spirit as well as our commitment to building a superior city as an industrial center as well as a center for the development of globally competitive human resources," said Ivonne in a press conference in Jakarta, Friday, July 10.

Ivonne assessed that as an independent city that is home to more than 2,000 national and multinational companies from various countries, Jababeka continues to present various programs that integrate the industrial, educational, tourism and cultural sectors.

One of the implementations is realized through the implementation of Sakura Matsuri 2026 which every year becomes a cultural agenda that the community is looking forward to.

The festival presents a community of Japanese culture lovers, students, students, families, professionals, and expatriates in one interaction space that strengthens community relations, the business world, and the international community.

"Over the years of its implementation, Sakura Matsuri has become a cultural festival that is always awaited with the presence of tens of thousands of visitors every year," he said.

Chairman of the Japanese Alumni Community in Indonesia (KAJI) Fuad A. Kadir said that this year's festival also featured cultural performances, culinary bazaars, and special appearances from JKT48 and guest performers from Japan.

In addition, visitors can also visit the Japan Indonesia Culture Corner (JICC) as a space for exchanging Indonesian and Japanese cultures.

Later, people from both countries can get to know each other's traditions, arts and cultures.

The excitement of the festival is also complete with various competitions that can be participated in, such as coloring contests, children's fashion shows, and Shuuji (Japanese calligraphy) competitions.

More than just a cultural festival, Sakura Matsuri 2026 is also a manifestation of Jababeka's commitment to supporting the development of the younger generation.

Ahead of the festival, Jababeka presents various workshops and talkshows that discuss culture, education, career opportunities, and various information about Indonesia and Japan.

Through this program, participants are expected to broaden their horizons, build networks, and improve the competencies needed to face competition in the global era.

Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the Bekasi Regency Tourism Office, Mien Aminah, appreciated Jababeka's consistency in presenting a cultural festival that has a positive impact on the tourism sector, creative economy and regional promotion.

Mien assessed that Sakura Matsuri has developed into one of the flagship events that is able to attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.

"The presence of this festival provides a multiplier effect for the tourism, culinary, transportation, and MSMEs sectors. We appreciate Jababeka's commitment to continue to provide a space for cultural collaboration while strengthening the image of the region as a unique industry-based tourist destination in Indonesia," he said.