Southeast Maluku, Liputan 21.com – Ngiar Varat Beach, located in Kei Kecil District, Southeast Maluku Regency, is preparing to host two prestigious national and international events: Sail to Indonesia, scheduled for July 21–27, 2025, and the Meti Kei Charm Festival, to be held on October 21–27, 2025.
The Head of the Southeast Maluku Tourism Office, Budi Tofi, stated that preparations are already well underway. “We’ve been working on site development for about two weeks now. Clean-up and spatial organization are ongoing, supported by the Southeast Maluku Scout Movement,” he said.
Budi emphasized that the Ngiar Varat area will be clean and comfortable for tourists. The government is currently preparing key supporting facilities, including tents, toilets, and infrastructure for cultural performances and tourist welcoming ceremonies.
A Collaborative and Strategic Event
Budi stressed that Sail to Indonesia 2025 will be a multi-sector collaboration involving traditional communities from Ohoi Ohoidertawun, students from STIS Mutiara and Poltek Biak Antuala, as well as the local Scout Movement. “This is more than just an event—it’s a strategic move to promote local potential,” he explained.
He also refuted claims that Ngiar Varat Beach is neglected. “That perception is simply inaccurate. We’ve already built 6 to 7 kilometers of access roads, representative toilet facilities, and the electricity network is being extended into the area. All of this is part of a major regional government initiative to develop tourism and fisheries as key economic sectors,” Budi added.
Why Ngiar Varat?
Budi explained that selecting Ngiar Varat Beach as the event venue was a strategic decision to ensure equitable development and promote new destinations. “Places like Ngurbloat are already well-known. So now we aim to unlock new potential and avoid over-concentration of visitors in a single location,” he said.
The Meti Kei Charm Festival, a major cultural celebration of the Kei people, will have Ngiar Varat as its main site this year. “We had to pause the event in 2024 due to political transitions, but this year we’re bringing it back with even more excitement,” Budi said optimistically.
National and International Support
The Tourism Office has been coordinating with airlines to provide extra flights during the event peak and has arranged discounted tickets in collaboration with PELNI and other stakeholders. Several regional leaders from Papua have also expressed interest in attending, along with Kei communities living outside the area.
Boosting Local SMEs and Creative Economy
Addressing criticism over the lack of iconic local souvenirs, Budi stated that partnerships are already in place with the Industry and Trade Office as well as creative economy communities. “We’re preparing platforms for SMEs, art groups, and local entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity for our people to benefit economically from these events,” he said.
Ngiar Varat’s Unique Appeal
Ngiar Varat Beach offers a range of natural and cultural attractions: clusters of small islands, coconut crab hunting, diving spots just 500 meters from shore, and the Ensen Clef—prehistoric caves believed to be thousands of years old.
Budi added that the region has the potential to be developed similarly to the famous Ora Beach in Seram, with its rich marine and forest ecosystems still largely untouched. “This isn’t a short-term project—it’s a serious, long-term development program already being discussed with the Ministry of Tourism, Bappenas, and even UN-affiliated organizations,” he said.
Toward Regenerative Tourism
Carrying the tagline “Accelerating Tourism Expansion Towards Regenerative Tourism,” the Southeast Maluku Tourism Office hopes these events will become a turning point for transformation. Regenerative tourism focuses on environmental sustainability (planet), community well-being (people), and long-term prosperity (prosperity). (Kef)
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