By Abdul Wahab Dai
WAJO — The annual tourism calendar event, Festival Danau Tempe (FDT), is set to once again enliven the City of Silk and City of Santri, Sengkang, following the dazzling conclusion of the 2025 National and International Musabaqah Qira’atil Kutub (MQK) — an event that resonated with both joy and solemnity, carrying messages of peace to the world.
Organized by the Department of Youth, Sports, and Tourism (Disporapar) of Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi, under Acting Head Andi Bau Manussa, FDT 2025 comes with the theme “Colours of Culture.”
According to Anjas Asmarah, Adyatama of Tourism and Creative Economy (Intermediate Expert) at the Wajo Department of Youth, Sports, and Tourism, the theme Colours of Culture reminds us to preserve the hues of local wisdom through performances of art, sports, handicrafts, culinary delights, and fashion.
The 2025 edition of FDT will be held from October 22 to 26, 2025, across two main venues: Merdeka Field in Sengkang and Nepo Village in Tanasitolo District.
Each night, various competitions and performances will take place at Merdeka Field, including the FDT 2025 Opening Ceremony, Creative Dance Competition, Barzanji Recital Contest, Silk Carnival, Culinary Competition, and the Closing Ceremony. Meanwhile, on the morning of October 23, 2025, Rowing Boat and Motorboat Races will be held in Nepo Village along the shores of Lake Tempe.
“We are targeting 22,000 visitors with an estimated economic transaction value of IDR 2.1 billion,” said Anjas Asmarah.
After being suspended for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), the festival has continued to grow: 11,200 visitors in 2022, 16,800 in 2023, and 21,400 in 2024. The inaugural 2019 edition drew 12,000 visitors.
Photo: Author’s collection
