2026 International Kite Festival Strengthens Garut as a Leading Tourism Destination

Garut's skies have become the stage for kite flyers from every corner of the world. The 2026 Garut International Kite Festival brings participants from across multiple countries, combining kite performances with the allure of mountain landscapes, local culture, and the region's distinctive creative economy products.

The festival takes place at Tepas Papandayan Agrotourism, Karamatwangi Village, Cisurupan District, Garut Regency, West Java, and runs until 2 August 2026. This event is expected to reinforce Garut's standing as one of Indonesia's premier tourist destinations.

Aam Pathulloh, Head of Tourism Marketing for the Garut Regency Tourism and Culture Office, stated that visitors will be presented with diverse kite attractions from participating countries throughout the festival period.

"Over the five full days of the event, visitors will experience a wide range of international kite performances," stated Aam Pathulloh.

Participated By Kite Flyers From 13 Nations

The 2026 International Kite Festival carries the official theme "Where Nature and Culture Meet The Sky". This gathering unites kite flying communities from 13 countries: Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, China, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Italy, Belgium, and host nation Indonesia.

Event organizer PT Graha 165 selected Garut as the host location due to the region's rapidly growing tourism potential.

"This festival brings together the natural beauty of Garut's mountains and its rich local heritage, presented through international-scale kite shows, live entertainment, plus a full range of tourism activities and creative economy exhibitions," the organizer representative stated.

Consolidating Garut As A Leading Tourist Destination

Beyond the aerial displays above, this festival also operates as a promotion platform for local MSME operators, creative industry practitioners, and Garut's signature culinary producers.

This cross-sector collaboration is targeted to increase both domestic and international visitor arrivals, while delivering direct economic impact for local residents.

Aam confirmed that hosting this festival forms part of coordinated efforts to establish Garut Regency as a flagship tourist destination within West Java.

Alongside watching the international kite demonstrations, visitors may browse the MSME bazaar, sample authentic Garut cuisine, and attend a full schedule of traditional cultural performances.

"Cultural entertainment, the small business bazaar, local specialty food, and family-friendly activities for all age groups are all available within the Tepas Papandayan Agrotourism site," he concluded.