A spectacular cultural voyage celebrating the vibrant seafaring soul and timeless island traditions

Ternate City is gearing up to host one of North Maluku’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, the Kora Kora Festival 2025. Scheduled to run from June 19 to 21, the festival is one of the 110 flagship events selected for the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program, initiated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism.

With the theme Maritime Footprints, Archipelago Heritage, the festival celebrates the richness of Indonesia’s maritime traditions and the historical significance of Moloku Kie Raha. Ternate, long recognized as a maritime hub in the Indonesian archipelago, will take center stage in highlighting this heritage. The event not only preserves traditional culture but also strengthens Ternate’s position as a sustainable tourism destination.

This year’s festival offers a vibrant program combining tradition, art, culinary experiences, and tourism. A key highlight is the Kora Kora Parade, featuring traditional boats sailing in formation. These vessels, once used in trade and warfare, will showcase their beauty and historical legacy on the water.

The Kora Kora Rowing Competition adds a dynamic, competitive edge to the festival. It challenges participants’ endurance and teamwork while giving rowing communities the chance to demonstrate their skill. Registration for the competition closed on June 15.

Visitors can also enjoy the Creative Economy Expo, which presents locally crafted products rich in cultural identity and innovation. The Cultural Arts Stage will host captivating performances of traditional dance and music. Ternate’s famous spice-based cuisine takes the spotlight in the Culinary Spice Theater and a traditional food exhibition.

The festival offers various interactive experiences as well. A Fun Dive invites visitors to explore Ternate’s vibrant marine life. Traditional children's games help keep local culture alive. The Ternate Fashion Carnival will display traditional and contemporary fashion with regional flair. Other highlights include the Lava Tour 1737, a historical site exploration, and the ID Ternate Drum Competition, which showcases musical creativity.

The celebration will culminate in the spectacular Kolosal Kora Kora Hongi performance, a large-scale theatrical display of Kora Kora’s cultural and historical importance. The Kololi Kie ritual and the Harmoni Nusantara cultural parade will further enrich the festivities.

With its wide range of programs, the Kora Kora Festival 2025 is expected to draw thousands of domestic and international visitors. More than just entertainment, the event reaffirms the identity and pride of the Ternate community and the Indonesian people in their maritime heritage. The festival stands as a powerful reminder that tradition and progress can move forward together in support of a sustainable tourism future.

photo source: instagram.com/wonderfulternate and instagram.com/exploreternate

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