The Sea-Sea Festival 2025 officially commenced on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2025, at the courtyard of the North Bulagi District Office and the Sambulangan Village Port.
Carrying the theme ‘Melody of Life: Uniting the Harmony of Cultural and Natural Heritage in Banggai Islands’, this annual festival serves as a meeting point for culture, community empowerment, and tourism promotion in the coastal region of Banggai Islands.
The event was organized as part of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM), in collaboration with the local government and communities.
Public enthusiasm was evident from early morning, reflecting the festival’s status as an essential part of the Banggai Islands’ cultural and social life.
The opening ceremony featured various traditional competitions, such as sack races and wheel races held at the district office courtyard, as well as rowing competitions in the waters of Sambulangan Port.
These events involved children, youth, and representatives from the six villages where UGM students are stationed for KKN-PPM: Bungin and Bakalan Villages in Tinangkung District, Sambulangan and Luk Panenteng in North Bulagi District, and Lumbi-Lumbia and Buko in South Buko District.
In addition, all villages in North Bulagi District were invited to enliven the festival.
Head of North Bulagi District, Nonce Yaalis, expressed appreciation for the cross-sector collaboration that made the event possible.
He emphasized that the festival is more than an annual entertainment event; it is a cultural education platform that connects generations and must be preserved.
He hopes the festival can serve as a model of good cultural preservation practice that can be replicated in other parts of the Banggai Islands, especially in strengthening unity and kinship.
“The Sea-Sea Festival is our shared pride. Through this event, we unite the harmony of Banggai Islands’ cultural and natural heritage. I appreciate the collaboration between the government, the community, and UGM students that made this festival possible,” he said.
Bernadio Axel Herdin Ernesto, the student coordinator, explained that the Sea-Sea Festival was designed as an inclusive event open to the entire community.
He noted that the event’s schedule was developed through village discussions and collective community meetings.
This participatory approach aims to foster a sense of ownership among residents over the festival they help build.
Additionally, the festival provides a valuable learning platform for students to collaboratively manage community-based programs.
“We want to make this festival a space for collaboration between the community, students, and the government to introduce Sea-Sea culture to a broader audience,” he explained.
The series of events will continue until Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, which marks the festival’s culmination.
Activities include tug-of-war and volleyball competitions, while the closing ceremony will feature a traditional oral storytelling competition (Baode), storytelling performances, an MSME bazaar, and a cooking contest using Banggai yams as the main ingredient.
The grand finale will also present village art performances, announcement of competition winners, and a special guest appearance.
Every event is carefully curated to highlight local traditions and encourage active community participation.
With the spirit of mutual cooperation, all elements of the community are working hand-in-hand to ensure the success of this annual cultural celebration.
These activities are designed not only to entertain but also to revive cultural identities that have been marginalized.
The diverse competitions and performances aim to inspire community creativity and solidarity.
Furthermore, the festival acts as a collective platform to reinforce the narrative of the Banggai Islands as a region rich in cultural heritage and local potential.
This year’s Sea-Sea Festival also reflects UGM’s commitment to advancing the role of universities as catalysts for development rooted in local wisdom.
Reporters: UGM KKN-PPM Team in Banggai Islands
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: UGM KKN-PPM Team in Banggai Islands