Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – Malang Flower Carnival (MFC) 2023 was held again in Malang City, Sunday (30/7/2023). As one of the largest flower-themed costume carnivals in Indonesia, MFC has been held since 2010 with various themes related to local historical and cultural values. 'The Magnificent of Arok Dedes' is the theme in 2023 which is inspired by a legendary story that has become popular among the people of Malang and East Java.
The Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf), Sandiaga S. Uno virtually expressed his appreciation for the implementation of this event, which has been included in the Kemenparekraf Calendar of Events (CoE) several times. According to him, Malang City with its rapidly growing creative community makes this city rich in unique events such as MFC.
"This also strengthens the branding of Kota Bunga, a cool and beautiful city to visit. Hopefully, the implementation of MFC can be a driver for the growth of the tourism and creative economy industry and can strengthen the position of Malang City as a Creative City of Indonesia," said Sandiaga.
Malang Mayor Drs. H. Sutiaji in his speech said that MFC was considered quite successful in attracting the audience. The public's enthusiasm was very high, and even overflowing. He said that this year MFC was held in Kayutangan to optimize the branding of the Kayutangan area as a leading tourist destination. "It could be that in the coming years it will not be here, but we want to promote several destinations that can have a domino effect on economic growth in Malang City," he said.
"This agenda has been held for the 13th time, meaning it is not a joke. God willing, in the future, I have ordered that in 2024 it can be collaboratively implemented by several agencies, later we will package it much better," continued Sutiaji.
Meanwhile, according to the Founder of MFC, Agus Sunandar, this MFC event was also attended by carnival communities throughout Indonesia. There were more than 93 participants from various regions of the archipelago. He added that the competition categories were also divided into two, category A, namely carnival costumes for ages 12 to 30 years, then category B, namely character costumes for ages 12-30 years. As a form of appreciation, the committee will provide cash prizes worth Rp40.000.000,00 as well as trophies and certificates for the best performers for carnival costumes and character costumes.
In every event, MFC always attracts the interest of local people and national and international tourists. This year, the MFC event is held in the Kajoetangan Heritage area to further strengthen the existence of this area as a center of activity since the past.
"This is the Mayor's idea to move the carnival to Kajoetangan Heritage. It's amazing, I feel a different atmosphere. Hopefully this event can have an economic impact, of course for the creative industry and tourism of Malang City, and strengthen Malang City as a World Creative City," said the man who is familiarly called Sam Suga. (ari/yon)
