Bengkulu's 307th Anniversary, the Besurek Batik Carnival is More Festive

One of the participants in the Besurek Batik Carnival in Simpang Lima, Bengkulu City, Saturday night (18/4/2026). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The spirit of preserving the batik culture is visible in the Karnaval Batik Besurek event held by the Bengkulu City Government in commemoration of the 307th anniversary of Bengkulu city. Thousands of participants from within and outside the region took part in the lively event.

The Mayor of Bengkulu, Dedy Wahyudi, said that this year's carnival was packaged with a different concept, namely held at night to provide a more comfortable and interesting experience for visitors.

"This year's batik carnival, we want a different atmosphere, so we hold it at night because it's not so hot, while enjoying the beautiful lights and streets to Belungguk Point," said Dedy.

The enthusiasm of the public can be seen from the crowded downtown area, ranging from Jalan Soeprapto, Simpang Lima, Jalan S. Parman, Belungguk Point to Simpang Sekip which is filled with spectators.

According to Dedy, the high public interest is an incentive for local governments to continue to present various similar activities, both locally and internationally, to increase the city's appeal.

"We continue to strive for this city to be more advanced, we will increase activities in this city. Thank you for the support from all parties, especially the governor," he said.

This carnival is also enlivened by various art and cultural performances, such as the Fatmawati dance presented by the Bengkulu Arts Council, the colossal dhol music, international parade, to mural actions that add to the atmosphere.

A number of visitors admitted to being entertained by the concept of an event that was different from usual. Sukiman (46), a resident of North Bengkulu Regency, came with his family to watch the carnival live and feel the festive atmosphere.

The same was conveyed by Alamsyah (52) from Seluma Regency, who was interested in coming because of the carnival at night.

"Usually batik carnival events like this are held in the afternoon, but this is at night. That's why I came because it must be exciting. It turned out to be really exciting and crowded," he said.

Through activities like this, Besurek batik as a cultural heritage of Bengkulu is expected to be widely known and at the same time become a regional pride.