For three days, from Friday to Sunday (July 3–5, 2026), Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa became a gathering place for anyone curious about the history of Lampung. It hosted Pesenggiri Festival 2026, themed "Spice, Heritage & Harmony."
Organized through a collaboration between The Hurun and the One Earth Canvas Foundation, the festival brought together history, art, and the creative economy in an event that was open to everyone.
The festival was inspired by Piil Pesenggiri, the traditional philosophy of the Lampung people that emphasizes honor, hospitality, and togetherness.
Rather than serving as a symbolic theme, these values were brought to life through workshops and discussions. Visitors were invited not only to learn about Lampung's identity but also to experience it firsthand.
A Space to Learn and Experience
Throughout the festival, visitors could join a creative economy discussion with Junanto Herdiawan and Helianti Hilman. Cooking classes were led by Chef Toni Azhari and Oma Lanny Rustan, while Roman Muhtar hosted a Batik Jumputan workshop.
Coffee enthusiasts attended the Coffee Academy organized by Tanamera. Those seeking a more relaxing experience could join yoga and meditation sessions led by Dr. Dea Wibowo and Ari WAW.
The atmosphere became even livelier at the Temu Rasa dan Rupa Market, where artisans, local artists, and small businesses met directly with visitors.
Selphie Bong, Co-Founder of Pesenggiri Festival, described the event as a reminder of the enduring relationship between people, nature, and culture.
"This festival reminds us that humanity, nature, and culture share a bond that has been passed down through generations," she said.
When Lampung Was Known Worldwide for Its Black Gold
The highlight of the festival came after sunset with a grand theatrical performance titled Pesenggiri Swarnadwipa. The performance revived the story of Lampung during the Srivijaya era, when the region's black pepper was known around the world as Black Gold and became one of the most sought-after commodities in the international spice trade.
The story was brought to life through a collaboration with Kitapoleng Bali, accessory designers Jessica Soemedi and Kiki Syarief, and fashion house Pumpkin Recipe. It was performed by 21 young dancers from Lampung who had passed a competitive selection process and completed intensive training before taking the stage.
Interestingly, Lampung's legacy as a world-class spice producer has not disappeared. It has simply taken a different form. In the past, black pepper introduced Lampung to global trade routes. Today, coffee has assumed that role.
According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Lampung accounted for 51.28 percent of Indonesia's total coffee exports in 2024. The province exported coffee worth US$840 million, far surpassing other major producing regions such as North Sumatra, East Java, and Aceh.
In many ways, the title "Black Gold" remains relevant today. It has simply shifted from one export commodity to another.
Pesenggiri Festival 2026 serves as a simple reminder that culture will continue to thrive as long as it is celebrated and passed on to future generations.
