Balangan Islamic Festival 2026: From Musical Poetry to Opick, Incredibly Festive!

Paringin – The Second Poetry Literature Festival (Gelar Sastra Puisi II) was one of the artistic and cultural agendas held as part of the Balangan Islamic Festival 2026. The event brought together artists from various regencies and cities across South Kalimantan.

The activity, themed “Maambung Banua, Manjunjung Budaya” (Connecting the Homeland, Upholding Culture), took place at the Tugu Maritam Office Complex in South Paringin on Saturday (6/6/2026). It featured musical poetry performances and poetic theatrical performances as a medium for creative expression and the preservation of local literature.

Chairwoman of the Balangan Regency TP PKK, Sri Huriyati Hadi, expressed appreciation for the participation of all attendees who supported the event.

"Thank you to all the regencies and cities that have participated. May this silaturahmi (bond of friendship) continue and grow stronger. I am proud to gather together with these artists," she said.

According to Sri Huriyati, the Second Poetry Literature Festival serves not only as a platform for artists to showcase their works but also as a means to strengthen relationships among artists from various regions in South Kalimantan.

The musical poetry performers came from Tabalong Regency, North Hulu Sungai, South Hulu Sungai, Banjar, Banjarbaru City, and Balangan. Meanwhile, the poetic theatrical performances were presented by participants from Banjarbaru City, Banjar Regency, Balangan, North Hulu Sungai, Tabalong, and Barito Kuala.

Through the fusion of literature, music, and performing arts, the participants delivered various cultural messages, life values, and local wisdom packaged with their own unique characters and creativity.

This event is expected to increase public appreciation for literature while strengthening the preservation of regional culture through the creative works of these artists.

About Balangan Festival 2026

Balangan Islamic Festival 2026 is a four-day Islamic arts and cultural festival held in Balangan Regency, South Kalimantan (Kalimantan Selatan), Indonesia. It is the first edition of the event. This Event was held at 5 – 8 June 2026 (opened on Friday evening, 5 June).

• Venue: Komplek Perkantoran Tugu Maritam (Tugu Maritam Office Complex), Paringin Selatan, Balangan Regency.
• Theme: “Islam Dalam Seni, Harmoni Dalam Negeri” (Islam in Art, Harmony in the Nation).
• Context: Part of the series of events celebrating the 23rd Anniversary of Balangan Regency.

Highlights & Program

The festival blends Islamic syiar (da’wah), arts, culture, competitions, and entertainment. It aims to strengthen religious values, foster harmony, preserve local culture, and boost the local economy through UMKM (small-medium enterprises) participation.

Main Performances:

• Haddad Alwi — Performed on the opening night (5 June).
• Opick (Opick Tombo Ati) — Scheduled for the closing night (8 June).

Competitions & Activities (examples):

• Nasyid Islami competition (district level).
• Poetic theater / Teatrikalisasi Puisi (provincial level).
• Islamic theater (Teater Islam).
• Musical poetry (Musikalisasi Puisi).
• Other Islamic-themed arts and cultural performances.

The event also features local wisdom messages, life values, and community bonding (silaturahmi).

Objectives & Impact

• Strengthen Islamic values and character building, especially for the younger generation.
• Promote harmony and ukhuwah Islamiyah (Islamic brotherhood).
• Serve as a platform for artists and creatives.
• Drive local economy through crowds and UMKM stalls.
• Positioned as an annual event in the future.

Notable Attendees/Supporters: Bupati Balangan H. Abdul Hadi (who officially opened the festival), Ketua TP PKK Sri Huriyati Hadi, Forkopimda, ulama, and thousands of attendees from Balangan and neighboring areas.

It successfully drew large crowds right from the opening, with a vibrant, religious, and festive atmosphere.