The Mount Slamet Festival (FGS) has once again achieved a proud milestone by being included in the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026 calendar for the third consecutive year. The 9th edition, held in Serang Village, Karangreja, from July 3 to 5, 2026, is not merely an entertainment stage, but a vital instrument in driving the economic growth of local communities.
Carrying the theme "Caring for Culture, Driving the Village Economy", this festival presents a variety of traditional attractions ranging from the Sikopyah Water Collection ritual, the Tomato War tradition, to colossal art performances. The event, which was also enlivened by national musicians, successfully attracted tens of thousands of visitors, creating significant economic turnover for the MSME, lodging, and transportation services sectors around the slopes of Mount Slamet.
The Regent of Purbalingga, Fahmi Muhammad Hanif, emphasized that the success of this festival serves as a foundation for the development of a more comprehensive tourist destination. The Purbalingga Regency Government is currently finalizing the 'One Stop Solution Tourism' concept, planned to begin operations in 2027. This concept will integrate the potential of Serang, Kutabawa, and Siwarak villages into a single unified tourism ecosystem that includes natural, culinary, and accommodation facilities.
"Our goal is to present a complete tourism experience where the local community plays the main role in the tourism economic chain. We want Purbalingga's tourism to grow sustainably and be able to provide a real impact on welfare for residents on the slopes of Mount Slamet," said Regent Fahmi while attending the Gentle Mist Acoustic (Akustik Kabut Lembut) event on Saturday (4/7/2026).
As a form of appreciation for the progress of tourism villages in the area, the Purbalingga Regency Government also presented awards to several high-performing villages. Karangcengis Village succeeded in winning first place in the Tourism Village Exhibition category and will be prepared to represent Purbalingga at the Central Java Province level.
