Kelanawisata.id, Wonosobo – The excitement of the 2026 Homecoming Festival continues to be felt throughout Wonosobo Regency. One example of this was seen at the Mumbul Bareng Randumas event in Semayu Village, Selomerto District, which was one of 23 locations hosting this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Randumas Stadium.

‎‎The event was attended by representatives from Wonosobo Regency’s Regional Government Agencies (OPD), including the Department of Housing, Settlements, and Transportation (Disperkimhub) with 4 representatives, the Department of Tourism and Culture (Disparbud) with 2 representatives and 1 intern, as well as the DPPKBPPA with 1 representative. They were present on behalf of Wonosobo Regent Afif Nurhidayat, reading an official address.

‎In his address, the Wonosobo Regent began by extending Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri greetings to the entire community, while urging everyone to strengthen unity and boost the spirit of regional development. ‎The Mumbul Bareng Randumas Hot Air Balloon Festival is part of a series of events taking place from March 22–29, 2026, with the main event centered at Wonosobo’s Alun-Alun.

‎“This festival is not merely a celebration, but a manifestation of the community’s creativity and unity that has been passed down from generation to generation,” read an excerpt from the Regent’s remarks, delivered by Sakti, Head of the Housing and Urban Development Division at the Wonosobo Department of Housing, Urban Development, and Transportation.

‎It was further noted that the Hot Air Balloon Festival has now evolved into a premier tourist attraction recognized not only nationally but also internationally. The presence of participants from various regions serves as proof that local traditions can become a source of shared pride.

‎At the venue, 50 hot air balloons enlivened the festival, hailing from various regions such as Rensa Tim Pekalongan, Simbang, Gumawang, Kalikajar, Semayu, and Karangluhur. Of that number, 3 balloons were recorded as having suffered damage (punctures), while no balloons were flown recklessly.
‎Sumarno, Chair of the Mumbul Bareng Randumas Organizing Committee, stated that public enthusiasm was very high.

“We estimate around 12,000 visitors, not only from Wonosobo but also from various regions such as Purbalingga, Magelang, Purwokerto, Banjarnegara, Yogyakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, and even from outside the island, including Deli Serdang, Batam, North Sumatra, Nabire, and Merauke,” he said.

‎In addition to being a cultural attraction, the festival also generated a significant economic impact. A total of 90 MSME operators were registered with the organizing committee, and around 50 street vendors also enlivened the event. The estimated cash flow during the event reached between Rp30 million and Rp40 million.

‎“We must preserve and develop this momentum together so that its benefits extend further for the welfare of the community,” continued the Regent’s opening remarks.

‎‎In terms of security and order, the event proceeded smoothly with effective traffic management. Vehicle traffic was heavy but remained under control thanks to the collaboration between the National Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Civil Defense (Linmas), and the organizing committee, under the command of Selomerto Police Station Chief, AKP Saptono.

‎On this occasion, the government also emphasized the importance of holding a safe and orderly festival.

‎All participants were urged to comply with regulations, particularly by ensuring that hot air balloons are flown tethered using at least three strong ropes and not released into the air uncontrolled.

‎Additionally, the public and visitors were encouraged to maintain environmental cleanliness throughout the event by not littering. ‎Representatives from government agencies in attendance also commended the active role of the organizing committee, the hot air balloon community, the village government, and the entire community for their contributions to the success of the event in Mumbul Bareng Randumas.

‎This festival is expected not only to provide entertainment for the community and tourists but also to serve as a means of strengthening unity, preserving culture, and enhancing Wonosobo’s image as a premier tourist destination.
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With a spirit of togetherness, all members of the community are encouraged to continue preserving the traditions that have been passed down, while ensuring the festival is conducted safely, orderly, and sustainably.

‎“Preserve traditions while adhering to regulations. A festive homecoming without litter,” read the message from the Regent of Wonosobo in a speech delivered at the event site.

Writen by Dimas D. Pradikta, S.E., M.M - Adyatama Kepariwisataan dan Ekonomi Kreatif Ahli Pertama Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Wonosobo
curated by kelanawisata.id