August 10, 2026 | 07:58 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A total of 1,685 traditional and creative kites took part in the 17th Mel Tanjung Kite Festival (MKTF XVII) 2026 at Mekarsari Beach in Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, on Sunday.
The festival, organized by ST Eka Dharma of Banjar Tanjung, Sanur Kauh Village, was officially opened by Denpasar Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa, who launched a kite at the beach before watching the competition.
Mel Tanjung Kite Festival advisor I Wayan Mariyana Wandhira said this year's festival carries the theme "Bhumi Samudra Akasa Sanggama", which represents harmony among land, sea, and sky as the foundation for the birth and preservation of culture from one generation to the next.
"The event provides a space for enthusiasts to enjoy the activity responsibly while fostering a greater sense of togetherness among young people and the kite-flying community in particular," he said.
He explained that MTKF XVII serves as a platform for the community to preserve traditional kites amid changing times, as kite flying is part of a cultural practice passed down from generation to generation.
To attract participants from various backgrounds, the organizers held competitions in youth and adult categories featuring traditional and creative kites.
The traditional kite categories included Bebean, Janggan, Janggan Buntut, Pecuk, and mini kites. There were also plastic kites and Celepuk kites featured in the event.
For the traditional kite categories, participants were required to use fabric featuring Balinese colors: red, yellow, black, and white. The requirement was part of an effort to preserve the visual character of traditional Balinese kites in each competition.
Participants in MTKF XVII came from youth groups, clubs, and individuals. With a total of 1,685 kites taking part, the festival also demonstrated that kite flying continues to have a strong following in the community.
Wandhira said the event was held over three days. As the festival entered its 17th year, the organizers remained committed to maintaining the quality of the event while improving its professionalism.
"Most importantly, throughout the 17-year journey of the Mel Tanjung Kite Festival, we remain committed to maintaining professionalism and improving the quality of the event every year," he said.
Denpasar Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa praised the consistency of the MTKF, which has become an annual event.
He said the festival plays an important role in preserving kite flying arts and traditions in Denpasar while allowing them to develop without losing their traditional values.
"We strongly support and appreciate this event as a platform for cultural expression and creativity among kite enthusiasts, known as rare angon," he said.
He added that the activity could also encourage the emergence of fresh creativity and innovation within the community.
Beyond providing entertainment, Arya Wibawa said the tradition could be developed as part of a cultural attraction supporting culture-based tourism in Bali, particularly in Denpasar.
He expressed hope that MTKF would continue to grow and be held consistently in the years ahead, not only in terms of the number of participants and the quality of the competitions, but also by providing space for younger generations to learn about and preserve the tradition.
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