The Mayor of Tangerang (second from left) presents a donation raised by Tangerang City Government employees for flood and landslide victims in Sumatra and Aceh, during the opening of the Tangerang City Cultural Festival 2025.

TANGERANG — The Tangerang City Cultural Festival 2025 successfully captivated the attention of tens of thousands of visitors. The annual event, opened on Friday at the Tangerang Parking Lot, carried the theme Benteng Culture Festival. The event took place from December 5 to 7, 2025.

Thousands of cultural activists and residents poured in, crowding the opening ceremony. The Mayor of Tangerang emphasized in his speech that this festival is not merely an arts celebration, but also a tangible manifestation of a shared commitment to preserving the most valuable cultural heritage: the spirit of mutual cooperation.

“Through this festival, we safeguard the values of togetherness, mutual assistance, and social concern. This attitude inherited from our ancestors has become our community’s identity amidst modern life while remaining relevant,” he stated.

He noted that this is the strength of Tangerang City as a heterogeneous city that grows through the solidarity of its citizens. In line with these values of mutual cooperation, he expressed deep concern over the floods and landslides that hit the Sumatra and Aceh regions.

The Tangerang City Government has organized a humanitarian fundraising drive and successfully collected IDR 477 million to assist the victims. “As part of this festival series, we have also opened donation posts so all visitors can participate in expressing their care,” he added.

The Spirit of Humanitarian Solidarity

The vibrant opening of the Tangerang City Cultural Festival 2025.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Mayor of Tangerang also appreciated the spirit of humanitarian solidarity and the ongoing efforts in cultural preservation, which continue to develop and serve as a platform for collaboration and innovation in Tangerang City.

“Enjoy the artistic and cultural offerings of Tangerang City. We should be proud of the cultural heritage that always brings honor to Tangerang City on national and international stages,” he said.

This year’s Cultural Festival not only showcased the diverse arts and culture typical of Tangerang City but also featured arts from other regions such as South Tangerang City, Cilegon City, and Ponorogo. The opening festivities were further enlivened by a performance from the national musician group D’Masiv.

Over the three days of the event, the festival successfully attracted 24,150 visitors who were treated to various artistic and cultural attractions typical of Tangerang City, as well as performances by well-known bands, including Indonesia’s top band, D’Masiv.

The Deputy Mayor of Tangerang emphasized at the closing ceremony that the Benteng Culture Festival is not merely entertainment, but also a manifestation of love and pride for the nation’s cultural heritage.

A Celebration of Humanitarian Values

The Deputy Mayor of Tangerang (right) presents a prize to the first-place winner of the fashion competition.

“The Benteng Culture Festival is also a celebration of humanitarian values. A place where we celebrate togetherness, mutual cooperation, diversity, and the spirit of mutual respect as one nation,” he explained.

It was stated that the Tangerang City Government is committed to continuously advancing regional treasures and culture. “This effort is important to strengthen cultural resilience while contributing to the development of Indonesian culture amidst world civilization. The values of mutual cooperation and solidarity are the soul we always preserve,” he said.

Regarding the success of organizing the largest cultural festival in Tangerang City, he expressed appreciation to all involved parties. These include the committee, artists, cultural figures, sponsors, the community, and all supporting elements.

“It is hoped that after this event concludes, the spirit of cultural preservation will continue to live within the community, strengthening pride in Tangerang City’s identity and inspiring more positive activities in the future,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Tangerang City Culture and Tourism Office reported that this festival not only served as a stage for cultural practitioners to connect but also acted as an economic driver for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).

“During the three days of the event, the Tangerang City Cultural Festival generated MSME transactions totaling IDR 287,500,000. Furthermore, traders, business actors, and tenants in and around the Metropolis Town Square area also recorded a revenue increase of 30–50% compared to regular days,” he explained.

Tangerang City Cultural Festival 2025

The Tangerang City Cultural Festival 2025 is an annual event celebrating the diverse heritage of Tangerang, Indonesia, particularly the Benteng Chinese (Cina Benteng) community and other local ethnic groups. Historically, the festival highlights traditions like the “Liong” (dragon dance) and “Cokek” dance, which reflect centuries of cultural fusion in this former port city. The 2025 edition continues this legacy by showcasing traditional arts, crafts, and culinary specialties to promote local identity and unity.

Benteng Culture Festival

The Benteng Culture Festival is an annual multicultural event held in Tangerang, Indonesia, celebrating the rich heritage of the Chinese-Indonesian “Benteng” community. Its history is rooted in efforts to preserve and promote the unique Peranakan culture that developed over centuries in the region, particularly around the historic Benteng area. The festival typically features traditional music, dance, culinary showcases, and exhibitions that highlight this community’s historical integration and contributions to Indonesian society.

Tangerang Parking Lot

“Tangerang Parking Lot” is not a recognized historical or cultural site. It is likely a generic reference to a common parking facility in Tangerang, Indonesia, a major city near Jakarta. As such, it has no notable history distinct from the city’s general urban development to accommodate transportation needs.

Sumatra

Sumatra is the sixth-largest island in the world, located in western Indonesia and known for its immense biodiversity, including tropical rainforests and unique wildlife like orangutans and Sumatran tigers. Historically, it was a key part of the Srivijaya Empire, a dominant maritime and commercial kingdom that flourished from the 7th to the 13th centuries, controlling much of the regional trade. The island’s culture is a rich blend of indigenous ethnic groups, such as the Batak and Minangkabau, with influences from later Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions.

Aceh

Aceh is a province on the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, historically significant as an early center for the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia and as a powerful, independent sultanate that resisted European colonization for centuries. It is also known for its devastating experience in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and for implementing a special autonomous status that includes aspects of Islamic law (Sharia). Today, it is recognized for its resilient culture, distinct Islamic identity, and natural beauty.

South Tangerang City

South Tangerang City is a planned municipality in Indonesia, officially formed in 2008 from parts of Tangerang Regency. Its history is tied to the rapid development of the Greater Jakarta area, transforming from agricultural and suburban land into a major residential and commercial hub. Today, it is known for its modern housing estates, educational centers, and as part of the Jakarta metropolitan region.

Cilegon City

Cilegon City is an industrial port city located in Banten Province on the island of Java, Indonesia. Historically a small town, it was designated as an autonomous city in 1999 and transformed into a major national industrial hub, home to the massive Krakatau Steel complex and other heavy industries.

Ponorogo

Ponorogo is a regency in East Java, Indonesia, best known as the birthplace of the traditional **Reog Ponorogo** dance. This vibrant and mystical performance, featuring a massive lion mask (Singa Barong) and peacock feathers, has roots in 15th-century folklore and is a symbol of local identity and resistance. The area’s history is deeply intertwined with the art form, which remains a central part of cultural festivals and celebrations today.