TABANAN, BALINEWS.ID — The UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is once again preparing to become one of Bali’s biggest tourism highlights through the upcoming Jatiluwih Festival VII 2026 and Bali Tourism Run, scheduled to take place on June 20–21, 2026.

This year, the festival comes with a bigger and more vibrant concept, combining culture, nature, agriculture, and sport tourism into one spectacular celebration.

More than just an annual event for the people of Tabanan, Jatiluwih Festival has officially entered the 2026 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) calendar under Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, marking its rise to the national stage.

Here are five fun facts that make Jatiluwih Festival VII 2026 a must-join event this year:

1. Officially Included in Indonesia’s National Tourism Calendar

Jatiluwih Festival VII has officially been selected as part of the 2026 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) after going through a strict curation process by the Ministry of Tourism.

“This time Jatiluwih Festival is entering the KEN Event calendar for the first time under the Ministry of Tourism,” said John Ketut Purna, Operational Management Manager of Jatiluwih Tourist Attraction, on Wednesday (May 27).

Its inclusion in the national tourism calendar shows that Jatiluwih is considered successful in balancing cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and tourism development rooted in Bali’s UNESCO-recognized Subak irrigation system.

The recognition is also expected to strengthen Jatiluwih’s image as a world-class cultural tourism destination.

2. Local MSMEs and Villagers Take Center Stage

This year’s festival is not only about entertainment but also about empowering the local community. Around 30 to 40 Local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises will participate by showcasing traditional culinary products, handicrafts, local coffee, and Jatiluwih’s agricultural products.

“We are involving local businesses as much as possible, including local event organizers,” John explained.

Local residents will also directly participate in cultural performances, farming activities, and tourist welcoming ceremonies throughout the festival.

The concept ensures that the event maintains its local identity while generating direct economic benefits for the surrounding community.

3. A Scenic 5K Run Through Bali’s Rice Terraces

One of the most anticipated programs this year is the Bali Tourism Run 5K, organized in collaboration with the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) as part of the celebration of 100 Years of Bali Tourism.

Around 2,000 runners from various communities are expected to participate in the event. Unlike ordinary running events, participants will run through the iconic terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih surrounded by mountain views, cool air, and Bali’s peaceful countryside atmosphere.

“This is what makes it different. Participants will enjoy running through the rice fields early in the morning around 6 a.m., so the weather is still cool,” he said.

The refreshing morning scenery across the green rice terraces is expected to create one of Bali’s most unique running experiences this year.

4. Tourists Can Join a Mass Rice Harvest With Local Farmers

Besides enjoying cultural performances and sport tourism activities, visitors will also get the chance to experience Bali’s traditional farming life through a mass rice harvesting activity on June 20, 2026.

“At the moment, Jatiluwih is in harvest season, so we will highlight a mass harvesting activity during the festival,” John added.

The activity allows tourists to enter the rice fields alongside local Subak farmers, learn about Bali’s traditional irrigation system, and understand the agricultural traditions that have shaped Jatiluwih for centuries.

The program also strengthens the festival’s eco-tourism and experiential tourism concept, which continues to attract both domestic and international travelers.

5. Bali Tourism Run Offers Rp75 Million in Prizes

The excitement of the Bali Tourism Run 5K becomes even bigger with total prizes worth Rp75 million, including a motorcycle for the first-place winner.

“The total prizes are around Rp75 million. The first winner will receive a motorcycle, while second and third place winners will receive cash prizes along with many other attractive rewards,” John said.

The attractive prizes have already sparked strong enthusiasm among Bali’s running communities since online registration opened.

Organizers hope the event can become one of Bali’s new sport tourism icons capable of attracting more tourists and encouraging longer stays in Tabanan.

John Ketut Purna emphasized that Jatiluwih Festival VII represents an important momentum for the future of Bali tourism.

“Jatiluwih Festival VII is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of Bali tourism’s revival through quality and sustainability. Its inclusion in the KEN calendar and collaboration with ASITA through the Run 5K prove that nature, sports, and culture can move together to strengthen the local economy,” he stated.

During the two-day festival, visitors will also enjoy open-air Balinese cultural performances, traditional attractions, Subak educational programs, and various nature-based tourism activities that reinforce Jatiluwih’s reputation as one of Bali’s leading cultural and environmental tourism destinations. (*)

Tickets for the Bali Tourism Run 5K can be purchased through Balitourismrun.id or RunOn.id.