The Rejang Lebong regency government will stage Gebyar Semarak Merah Putih at Dwi Tunggal Curup Field in Bengkulu province. Tourism department head Riki Irawan said the ten-day event will promote regional arts and culture alongside local cuisine and small-business products.
Food events will feature Rejang dishes including gulai lemea, sambal ujak and gulai terong. Gulai lemea is made with finely chopped young bamboo shoots mixed with freshwater fish such as tilapia or baung. The mixture is sealed in a banana-leaf-lined container and fermented for at least three days, producing a distinctive sour, savory and spicy flavor. Organizers plan a communal meal centered on gulai lemea on the final day.
Daily programming will also include 5K and 10K runs, fun walks and runs, the traditional kuda kepang performance, sound horeg, dangdut music, a jadulan orchestra and a drum-band show. Other events include local-song composition and arrangement contests, qasidah, creative gymnastics, trail adventure, road racing and a mini-soccer tournament for teams from southern Sumatra.
Economic activities will include a low-cost market bazaar, digital-skills training for small and medium-sized businesses, a coffee and barista workshop, and a Korpri football tournament. Organizers say the combined cultural and sports program is intended to help drive the local small-business and creative sectors.