Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, October 30, 2026 at 06:29 AM UTC

Camino de Flores promotes Ende cultural heritage preservation: BPOLBF

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Kornelis Kaha, Resinta Sulistiyandari

The Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) stated the Camino de Flores spiritual walk event promotes cultural preservation by supporting the construction of a weaving house in Kelibara and the restoration of a traditional house in Wologeru, Ende District.

"The Camino de Flores demonstrates that tourism can build relationships with the community, learn about cultural heritage, and foster a sense of community," the Acting President Director of BPOLBF, Andhy MT Marpaung, said on Thursday (Oct 29).

The support was provided by the Indonesia's Minister of Tourism for the 2011-2014 period, Mari Elka Pangestu, along with architect Yori Antar, as part of the closing ceremony for the Camino de Flores.

Marpaung explained the assistance will fund the construction of a weaving house in Kelibara, which will be named Sao Tege Seda Camino Kelibara.

Additional support has also been provided for the revitalization of the Ata Ngi'i Ngape Traditional House in Wologeru. Upon completion of the renovation, the house will be renamed Sao Ria Ngi'i Nangape Camino Wologeru.

Marpaung said the preservation of the two buildings is expected to safeguard the traditional knowledge, weaving skills, and cultural identity of the Ende people.

Meanwhile, Yori Antar is known for actively promoting the preservation of traditional Indonesian architecture through Rumah Asuh movement, prioritizing the preservation of traditional houses through reconstruction and local community involvement.

Marpaung added the Camino de Flores demonstrates the potential for developing tourism in Flores through a combination of religious, natural, historical, and cultural tourism.

The spiritual journey, which connects different regions and communities, allows tourists to gain insights into local ways of life and explore the cultural heritage that forms an integral part of Flores' identity, he continued.

BPOLBF hopes the experience will encourage the development of special interest tourism packages in Flores, including religious tours and trips connecting tourist villages, MSMEs, cultural groups, and local communities.

Culture-based tourism is expected to create economic opportunities while preserving local traditions and cultural identity.

By the themed named "The Sacred Journey of Flores", Camino de Flores introduced the beauty of life, culture, and traditions of the local people of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara.

About 70 participants walked 25.5 kilometers, passing sites that reflect the spirituality, cultural heritage, and traditions of the Flores people.

Held from October 23 to 27, 2026, the spiritual journey took participants to several sites through Flores’ spiritual and cultural heritage, with stops at Mater Boni Consili Church in Bajawa, Maria Ratu Semesta Alam Parish Church in Langa, Bena Traditional Village, Rakateda I Parish, and St. John Berkhmans Mataloko Seminary.

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