Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has launched the 'Camino de Flores: The Sacred Journey of Flores' program to introduce the beauty of life, culture, and traditions of the local people of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara.
Camino de Flores initiator Mari Elka Pangestu said the 70 participants walked 25.5 kilometers, passing sites that reflect the spirituality, cultural heritage, and traditions of the Flores people.
"Throughout the walk, we interacted with local residents. Everyone greeted us, and we felt warmly welcomed with joy," Mari said in a press statement on Monday.
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.
At Bena Traditional Village, participants explored the rich traditions and megalithic cultural heritage and learned about the customs of the Ngada people.
They also shared dinner and socialized with seminarians, priests, and teachers at the St. John Berkhmans Mataloko Seminary.
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On the occasion, Mari also conveyed her commitment to help repair the seminary building damaged by an earthquake.
The Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, said the Camino de Flores has potential to be developed into an integrated tourism package on Flores Island.
"This journey is not merely about walking, but also about gaining a deeper understanding of Flores, visiting sites of spiritual and cultural significance, and engaging with local communities along the route," she said.
Marthini said the government would support efforts to promote the Camino de Flores as a tourism activity on Flores Island.
Meanwhile, Acting President Director of the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority, Andhy MT Marpaung, said the Camino de Flores could help establish Flores Island as a leading destination for Catholic religious tourism.
With the journey taking visitors to several destinations across Flores, Marpaung hopes the travel route will encourage longer stays and distribute tourist visits more evenly across the island.
Moreover, the development of diverse tourism services is expected to create economic opportunities for local communities by allowing them to provide services and sell local products to more tourists.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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