TEMPO.CO, Kendari - Sail Komodo-Indonesia on Buton Island with the theme "Buton Adat Tua" was officially launched by Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu on Wednesday, August 21.

Sail Komodo activities are planned to take place on Buton Island for three days from August 21 to 23. The Buton district administration has also prepared a feast for the eyes of Sail Komodo participants from across the globe with ancient cultural performances that have been preserved by Buton’s people up until this day.

On the first day, the Buton district administration held dole-dole and pakande-kandea activities. Dole-dole is a cultural ritual where a child is blessed and officially named. Meanwhile, pakande-kandea is a tradition where the islanders welcome their guests by serving distinctive traditional dishes from Buton on special dining utensils and plates made from weaves or brass.

These two traditional activities also broke the Muri (National Museum of Records) record for the cultural activity with the most participants, reaching 2,090 participants. 

The peak of Sail Indonesia 2013 will be held on Komodo Island on October 9. Buton Island is an island passed by participants of Sail Indonesia coming in from the north. There are curently around 21 Sail participants on yachts from Darwin, Australia, docking their ships at the Wajo Market Bay. Before arriving on Buton Island, participants dropped by Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, first. 

ROSNIAWANTY FIKRY