Telaga Air Merah Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Malay Culture and Local Economy

Selat Panjang – Loud applause erupted from the crowd as a line of traditional boats began racing across the waters of Telaga Air Merah in Tanjung Village, West Tebingtinggi Subdistrict, Kepulauan Meranti Regency, Riau. Amid the enthusiastic atmosphere of residents filling the village tourist area, the 6th Telaga Air Merah Festival was once again held as a space for togetherness, culture, and new hope for the local economy.

The annual festival was officially opened by Kepulauan Meranti Regent Asmar, who views the event not merely as public entertainment, but as a strong symbol of collaboration between the community, village government, Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), and the business sector in developing tourism potential based on local wisdom.

“This festival can serve as an example of how cultural richness, history, and local wisdom can be developed into tourism potential that has a real impact on community empowerment and regional economic improvement,” said Asmar on Saturday (16/5/2026).

For the people of Tanjung Village, Telaga Air Merah is more than just a tourist area. It has become a living space that has gradually grown through the spirit of mutual cooperation among residents who want their village to be more widely known.

In the midst of modernization and technological advancement, the festival also serves as a way for the community to keep Malay culture alive, especially among the younger generation. “The Telaga Air Merah Festival is one of our efforts to preserve Malay cultural heritage while encouraging the younger generation to continue safeguarding the region’s cultural legacy,” Asmar said.

The festival atmosphere became even more lively with various traditional competitions such as boat racing (pacu sampan) and mencucuk atap, as well as Malay cultural performances, traditional dances, Malay orchestra (orkes Melayu), lion dance (barongsai), bonfire, and a crowded camping ground visited by tourists from various regions.

Behind the festivities, there is a story of how the village is working to build economic independence through tourism. Tanjung Village Head Muhammad Anas said the Telaga Air Merah Festival is the result of togetherness among all village elements that has been consistently maintained over the past six years. “This is a form of unity and solidarity from all parties in developing village tourism,” he said.

Through the management of BUMDes Tanjung Mandiri, the tourist area has now begun to deliver real benefits to village revenue and the community. “Alhamdulillah, in 2025, BUMDes Tanjung Mandiri managed to generate around Rp183 million in profit, which little by little can contribute to the village and its people,” he added.

The spirit of village development is also evident from the support of PT Imbang Tata Alam (ITA), which has been involved in tourism development and village infrastructure projects.

Representative of PT Imbang Tata Alam’s management, Arif Hidayatullah, said his company has learned from the spirit of the Tanjung Village community, which successfully transformed an embankment area into a productive tourist destination. “A less-than-ideal location in a village can be developed into something like this. We are learning from the fighting spirit of the Tanjung Village community in advancing tourism,” he said.

In addition to supporting the tourism sector, the company also contributed to the construction of the 1,600-meter Tanjung Darul Takzim Road, which now makes mobility and economic activities easier for residents.

During the festival, PT Imbang Tata Alam also handed over assistance to 23 orphans from surrounding villages as a form of social concern for the community. The Telaga Air Merah Festival not only provides entertainment but also demonstrates how a village can grow through collaboration, culture, and the spirit of togetherness.

On the shores of the lake, the community is not just celebrating a festival — they are also nurturing the hope that their village can continue to develop without losing the cultural identity passed down through generations.

Bupati Asmar Drives Long-Term Solutions for Coastal Charcoal Communities in Meranti

Kepulauan Meranti – Regent of Kepulauan Meranti, Asmar, is encouraging the development of sustainable solutions for coastal communities who have long relied on mangrove charcoal businesses (panglong arang) for their livelihoods in Kepulauan Meranti Regency.

According to Asmar, charcoal production has long been an important part of the local economy, encompassing the harvesting of mangrove wood, charcoal processing, distribution, and trade of the finished product.

Therefore, the regional government hopes that the ongoing organization and regulation efforts will be accompanied by solutions that still provide space for the community’s economic sustainability while preserving the environment.

“What the community needs most right now is a long-term solution that can maintain people’s economic continuity without neglecting legal aspects and environmental sustainability,” Asmar said on Monday (18/5/2026).

He explained that the Kepulauan Meranti Regency Government understands the importance of protecting mangrove areas and enforcing forestry regulations. However, the local government is also working to ensure that coastal communities continue to receive economic support and business certainty.

As an initial step, the regional government has distributed food assistance to affected communities, including Non-Cash Food Assistance in collaboration with Bulog.

Asmar hopes that communication and synergy between the local government, central government, DPR RI, law enforcement, and all stakeholders can be further strengthened to produce wise and fair solutions. “We hope for good communication so that humane, equitable solutions can be born that continue to support the welfare of the people,” he said.

He also asked for support from Riau DPR RI member Iyet Bustami to help advocate for regulations and policies that can provide legal certainty for the community, while promoting sustainable mangrove management and people’s business development.

Chairman of the Kepulauan Meranti DPRD, Khalid Ali, emphasized that the balance between environmental aspects and the community’s economy must continue to be maintained through coordination with the central government and relevant ministries.

Meanwhile, Iyet Bustami said she would bring the aspirations of the Kepulauan Meranti community to the central level for coordination with relevant ministries. “This could become accurate information that I will later convey to the center,” she said.

She also stated that she would coordinate with Commission IV of the DPR RI and related ministries to find the best solutions so that the community can continue to have job opportunities while adhering to regulations and preserving the environment.

After the hearing, the group visited a charcoal production site (panglong arang) in Batin Suir Village, East Tebingtinggi Subdistrict, and handed over 100 basic food packages (sembako) to affected residents.