Kelanawisata.id, Wonosobo – The Sukoharjo Balloon Festival & Competition has emerged as a key highlight within the series of events enlivening the 2026 Wonosobo Homecoming Festival (Festival Mudik). Held in the Sukoharjo District, the festivities unfolded with great fanfare and high public enthusiasm.

According to the Head of the Marketing Division of the Wonosobo Tourism and Culture Office (Disparbud), Sri Fatonah W. Ismangil, the festival featured 21 hot air balloon participants that decorated the Sukoharjo sky. The event was further energized by approximately 80 MSME (UMKM) players offering a variety of local culinary products and traditional crafts.

“The public's enthusiasm has been truly extraordinary. It is estimated that around 10,000 visitors attended, hailing not only from Wonosobo but also from various regions such as Tangerang, West Kalimantan, Sidoarjo, Pekalongan, Surabaya, and even Bali,” stated Sri Fatonah.

In addition to the general public, the event was also attended by members of the Forkompimcam, the Chair of Commission B of the Wonosobo Regency Regional People’s Representative Council, and representatives from the Department of Tourism and Culture. The presence of these stakeholders serves as a show of support for the preservation of the hot-air balloon tradition as well as the development of the local tourism sector.

The high volume of visitors led to temporary traffic congestion around the venue. However, the situation was managed effectively, ensuring that the activities proceeded smoothly and remained conducive for all participants.

Beyond serving as a source of entertainment, the festival generated a significant economic impact. The event saw an estimated monetary turnover of approximately IDR 76 million, the majority of which was felt directly by local MSME entrepreneurs.

The Sukoharjo Balloon Festival & Competition is expected to remain a flagship event within the Wonosobo Homecoming Festival series, further driving the growth of the creative economy while strengthening the region's tourism appeal nationwide.

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