Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024

Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 telah diselenggarakan pada tanggal 28 Maret s.d 1 April 2024 di Kota Banda Aceh, Provinsi Aceh. Kegiatan ini merupakan salah satu event Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2024.   Gambaran Umum

• Aceh Ramadhan Festival merupakan hallmark event tahunan Provinsi Aceh sebagai salah satu destinasi wisata halal unggulan di Indonesia yang diselenggarakan rutin oleh Pemerintah Provinsi Aceh melalui Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Provinsi Aceh. Tahun ini Aceh Ramadhan Festival kembali terpilih dalam Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) yang ditetapkan oleh Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf RI selama 4 tahun berturut-turut.
• Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 merupakan bentuk kolaborasi antara Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Provinsi Aceh, Dinas Syariah Islam melalui UPTD Masjid Raya Baiturrahman, Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf RI, Pemerintah Kota Banda Aceh, Bank Indonesia, Bank Syariah Indonesia, Bank Aceh, dan Rumah Zakat. Pada kesempatan ini Bank Indonesia memberikan dukungan dengan mengelar Expo di beberapa lokasi di Kota Banda Aceh melalui Semarak Rupiah Ramadhan & Berkah Idulfitri (Serambi) dalam rangka #RoadToFESyarSumatera2024.
• Aceh Ramadhan Festival tahun ini memasuki tahun ke-6 penyelenggaraan dengan mengangkat tema "Immerse Yourself into the Spiritual Journey in Serambi Mecca", di mana pelaksanaan kegiatan utama dipusatkan di ikon Serambi Mekkah, yaitu Masjid Raya Baiturrahman, sehingga menjadikan kegiatan ini sebuah perayaan bulan suci Ramadhan dalam balutan tradisi serta rangkaian kegiatan Islami yang sakral untuk memperkuat keimanan sekaligus menyajikan pengalaman spiritual yang menyejukkan dan menyenangkan bagi masyarakat Aceh maupun wisatawan yang hadir.
• Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 diselenggarakan selama 5 hari di dua lokasi yang berdekatan, di mana kegiatan utama disajikan di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman sedangkan kegiatan hiburan diselenggarakan di Sagoe Piasan Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Rangkaian kegiatan di Pelataran Kompleks Masjid Raya Baiturrahman meliputi Seremoni Pembukaan dan Penutupan, Pasar Takjil, Serambi dan Halal Fair, Dzikir Ramadhan, Meudrah Puasa Kajian Islami, Kirab Ramadhan, Khauri Peutamat Daroih, Buka Puasa Bersama, Shalat Isya dan Shalat Tarawih Berjamaah, Klinik Al-Qur’an dan Pembelajaran Tahsin, Syiar Ramadhan, Pekan Anak Shaleh (Lomba Tahfidz Qur’an), Gampong Ramadhan Aceh (Taman Permainan Tradisional Aceh), Khauri Kanji, Eksibisi Dalael Khairat, dan Santunan 400 Aneuk Yatim.
• Rangkaian kegiatan di di Sagoe Piasan Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh meliputi Bazar UMKM, Pertunjukan Seni Islami, Kultum Menjelang Buka Puasa, Lomba Pidato Bahasa Indonesia, Lomba Storytelling, dan Penampilan Musik Tradisi Religi.

  Kegiatan ini dihadiri oleh:

1. Menparekraf/Kepala Baparekraf RI, Bapak Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno;
2. Gubernur Aceh, Bapak Bustami Hamzah;
3. Anggota Komisi X DPR RI, Ibu Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal;
4. Imam Besar Masjid Raya Baiturrahman, Bapak H. Azman Ismail;
5. Staf Khusus Menparekraf Bidang Pengamanan Destinasi Wisata dan Isu-Isu Strategis, Bapak Ario Prawiseso;
6. Wali Kota Banda Aceh, Bapak Amiruddin;
7. Asisten 2 Sekretariat Daerah Kota Banda Aceh, Bapak Fadhil;
8. Direktur Event Daerah, Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf RI, Bapak Reza Fahlevi;
9. Direktur Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Ekonomi Kreatif, Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf RI, Bapak Fahmy Akmal;
10. Kepala Dinas Kebudayaan Dan Pariwisata Provinsi Aceh, Bapak Almuniza Kamal;
11. Para Kepala Dinas Pariwisata se-Provinsi Aceh;
12. Ketua Tim Kerja Strategi dan Promosi, Direktorat Event Daerah, Ibu Eni Komiarti;
13. Para Camat di Kota Banda Aceh;
14. Unsur Forkopimda Provinsi Aceh dan Kota Banda Aceh;
15. Para Tokoh Agama, Tokoh Adat, Akademisi, Komunitas, dan Rekan-Rekan Media; serta Para Pelaku Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif.

  Rangkaian Kegiatan ◼️ Hari Pertama: Kamis, 28 Maret 2024

• Open Gate Pasar Takjil dan Serambi & Halal Fair pada pukul 16.30 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi I) pada pukul 16.30 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Pertunjukan Seni Islami Sagoe Piasan Aceh oleh Fahmil Arabi dan Menzeel Nasyeed.
• Dzikir Ramadhan, Buka Puasa, Shalat Maghrib, Isya, dan Tarawih di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Lomba Tartil Qur’an pada pukul 22.00 s.d. 23.00 WIB di Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi II) pada pukul 22.00 s.d. 23.00 WIB.

  ◼️ Hari Kedua: Jumat, 29 Maret 2024

• Meudrah Puasa Kajian Islami oleh Habib Hayqal Alaydrus pada pukul 14.30 s.d. 15.30 WIB di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Gampong Ramadhan, Pasar Takjil, dan Serambi & Halal Fair pada pukul 16.30 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi I) pada pukul 16.30 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Kirab Ramadhan atau Pawai Kendaraan Hias oleh 9 Kecamatan di Kota Banda Aceh dengan rute perjalanan yang dimulai dari Kantor Wali Kota Banda Aceh dan berakhir di depan Kantor DPRK Kota Banda Aceh.
• Seremoni Pembukaan Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 dengan agenda berikut:
  • Penampilan Pembuka Kolaborasi Atraksi Seni Islami Gita Handayani ft. ISBI Aceh.
  • Peresmian dan Peninjauan Pasar Takjil Aceh Ramadhan Festival, Serambi, Halal Fair, Gampong Ramadhan Aceh, dan Eksibisi Permainan Tradisional oleh Pj. Gubernur Aceh dan Pj. Wali Kota Banda Aceh.
  • Penyerahan Simbolis Manfaat BPJS Ketenagakerjaan serta Penyerahan Simbolis QRIS Meunasah dan Sertifikat Halal.
  • Pembukaan secara resmi oleh Pj. Gubernur Aceh, Pj. Wali Kota Banda Aceh, dan Kepala Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Provinsi Aceh.
  • Dzikir Ramadhan dan Khauri Peutamat Daroih.
  • Buka Puasa, Shalat Maghrib, Isya, dan Tarawih di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Pertunjukan Seni Islami Sagoe Piasan Aceh oleh Raudhatul Bunaya dan Zikrayat Gambus.
• Kultum Menjelang Berbuka Puasa oleh Habib Hayqal Alaydrus di Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Lomba Pidato Bahasa Indonesia di Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi II) pada pukul 22.00 s.d. 23.00 WIB.

  ◼️ Hari Ketiga: Sabtu, 30 Maret 2024

• Meudrah Puasa Kajian Islami oleh Habib Umar Ba’bud serta Klinik Al-Qur’an dan Pembelajaran Tahsin oleh Ustadz Mujtahid Anwar pada pukul 14.30 s.d. 15.30 WIB di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Gampong Ramadhan, Pasar Takjil, dan Serambi & Halal Fair pada pukul 16.30 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi I) pada pukul 16.30 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Pertunjukan Seni Islami Sagoe Piasan Aceh oleh Grup Hadrah Baytul Qur’an.
• Kultum Menjelang Berbuka Puasa oleh Ustadz Khalid Muddatsir.
• Dzikir Ramadhan, Buka Puasa, Shalat Maghrib, Isya, dan Tarawih di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Lomba Storytelling pada pukul 22.00 s.d. 23.00 WIB di Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi II) pada pukul 22.00 s.d. 23.00 WIB.

  ◼️ Hari Keempat: Minggu, 31 Maret 2024

• Meudrah Puasa Kajian Islami oleh Tgk. Muntasir Waly pada pukul 13.30 s.d. 14.30 WIB.
• Klinik Al-Qur’an dan Pembelajaran Tahsin oleh Ustadz Mutjahid Anwar pada pukulu 14.30 s.d. 15.30 WIB.
• Pekan Anah Shaleh (Lomba Tahfidz Qur’an) pada 14.00 s.d. 18.00 WIB di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Gampong Ramadhan, Pasar Takjil, dan Serambi & Halal Fair pada pukul 16.30 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi I) pada pukul 16.30 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Penampilan Musik Tradisi Religi oleh Tangke Band.
• Pengumuman Juara Perlombaan Anak Shaleh.
• Pertunjukan Seni Islami Sagoe Piasan Aceh (Tari Sudi dan Hadrah Zawiyah Nurunnabi).
• Kultum Menjelang Berbuka Puasa oleh Tgk. Zul Arafah.
• Dzikir Ramadhan, Buka Puasa, Shalat Maghrib, Isya, dan Tarawih di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi II) pada pukul 22.00 s.d. 23.00 WIB.

  ◼️ Hari Kelima: Senin, 1 April 2024

• Open Gate Gampong Ramadhan, Pasar Takjil, dan Serambi & Halal Fair pada pukul 15.00 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi I) pada pukul 15.00 s.d. 18.30 WIB di kawasan Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
• Pertunjukan Seni Islami Sagoe Piasan Aceh (Tarian Rapa’i Geleng) oleh Sanggar Geuma Pasee Nanggroe.

 

• Kunjungan kerja Menparekraf/Kepala Baparekraf RI dengan agenda berikut:
  • Bincang-bincang bersama UMKM di Panggung Sagoe Piasan di Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh.
  • Menggunakan becak mesin menuju Masjid Raya Baiturrahman dan meninjau Pasar Takjil.
  • Penyambutan Menparekraf dengan Atraksi Hikayat Aceh dan Dalael Khairat.
  • Ngabuburit di Gampong Ramadhan dengan bermain balap bakiak (permainan tradisional).
  • Meninjau Khauri Kanji, yaitu memasak bubur khas Aceh di belanga besar yang disajikan oleh 9 Kecamatan di Kota Banda Aceh dan membagikan takjil kepada masyarakat/pengunjung.
  • Menuju panggung untuk melaksanakan seremoni penutupan.
• Seremoni Penutupan Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 dengan agenda berikut:
  • Sambutan oleh Pj. Gubernur Aceh.

Beliau menyampaikan apresiasi atas kolaborasi baik antar pemerintah pusat dan pemerintah daerah dalam penyelenggaraan Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 sebagai momentum istimewa dalam memperkenalkan tradisi, kearifan lokal, dan budaya keislaman masyarakat Aceh. Masyarakat Aceh patut berbangga Aceh Ramadhan Festival kembali masuk daftar event terbaik di Indonesia dalam KEN 2024. Diharapkan semangat Ramadhan dalam event ini dapat memberikan keberkahan, kedamaian, inspirasi kebaikan, dan harmoni kebersamaan dalam rangka memajukan pariwisata dan ekonomi kreatif di Provinsi Aceh.

• Closing speech dan penutupan secara resmi oleh Menparekraf RI.

Beliau menyampaikan apresiasi kepada Pemerintah Provinsi Aceh, khususnya Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Provinsi Aceh, serta seluruh pihak atas penyelenggaraan Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 yang kembali masuk dalam KEN selama 4 tahun berturut-turut. Indonesia menduduki peringkat 1 di Global Muslim Travel Index Tahun 2023, dan jenis wisata yang paling dinikmati yaitu wisata kuliner. Aceh Ramadhan Festival menjadi salah satu daya tark wisata religi yang memberikan pengalaman unik bagi wisatawan serta menghadirkan bazar UMKM kuliner yang menjawab tujuan utama 63% wisatawan, yaitu berwisata kuliner. Diharapkan dampak ekonomi dari sektor parekraf dapat semakin menyejahterakan masyarakat. Beliau juga menyemangati Pemerintah Provinsi Aceh dan masyarakat agar bersiap diri menjadi tuan rumah Pekan Olahraga Nasional (PON) di bulan September. Perhelatan ini memiliki peluang besar bagi ekonomi daerah, khususnya masyarakat dan pelaku usaha di sektor parekraf.

• Penyerahan plakat apresiasi kepada para Camat dari 9 Kecamatan di Kota Banda Aceh.
• Sesi foto bersama dan doorstop.
• Dzikir bersama dan santunan 400 aneuk yatim.

• Buka Puasa, Shalat Maghrib, Isya, dan Tarawih di Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.

  Kesimpulan dan Evaluasi Kegiatan

1. Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 yang terselenggara selama 5 hari secara keseluruhan berlangsung dengan baik dan lancar serta memperoleh antusiasme cukup tinggi dari masyarakat setempat. Kolaborasi dan keterlibatan berbagai stakeholder dalam penyelenggaraan kegiatan ini cukup baik mengingat Aceh Ramadhan Festival merupakan hallmark event tahunan yang memasuki pelaksanaan ke-6 tahun ini. Konten kegiatan menampilkan beragam tradisi dan kearifan lokal di Provinsi Aceh, mulai dari pergelaran kesenian dan kuliner serta menawarkan pengalaman spiritual di bulan suci Ramadhan dalam balutan tradisi dan budaya masyarakat Aceh sebagai unique selling point daerah.
2. Lokasi utama Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 terpusat di pelataran Masjid Raya Baiturrahman, sehingga selain menikmati sajian acara dengan pemandangan kemegahan Masjid Raya Baiturrahman, pengunjung dapat merasakan pengalaman spiritual yang optimal dengan rangkaian aktivitas religi dan budaya dengan pengalaman berbusana Muslim dan Muslimah yang diwajibkan di wilayah tersebut sebagai salah satu kearifan lokal yang unik di Kota Banda Aceh. Adapun agenda hiburan dan bazaar UMKM dilaksanakan di Lapangan Ex-Hotel Aceh yang berdekatan dengan Masjid Raya Baiturrahman dan dapat ditempuh dengan berjalan kaki selama 5 menit. Selain itu di sekitar venue terdapat becak mesin sebagai salah satu alternatif transportasi.
3. Tata letak venue acara telah cukup baik dan dapat lebih ditingkatkan terutama penataan area awak media, posko kesehatan, serta penyediaan toilet portable yang terjangkau sepanjang kegiatan selama 5 hari bagi tamu undangan maupun pengunjung umum. Estetika acara secara keseluruhan cukup baik dengan mengangkat unsur-unsur kearifan lokal. Adapun area bazar UMKM perlu ditingkatkan dengan menyediakan berbagai produk ekonomi kreatif kedaerahan khas Aceh lainnya selain kuliner.
4. Pada aspek 3A (Atraksi, Aksesibilitas, Amenitas) cukup baik mengingat lokasi kegiatan di pusat Kota Banda Aceh. Namun amenitas terutama tempat makan selama bulan Ramadhan di Kota Banda Aceh masih terbatas dalam mengakomodir wisatawan non-Muslim yang tidak berpuasa di siang hari.
5. Perlunya manajemen event dalam mengantisipasi cuaca buruk seperti hujan mengingat rangkaian kegiatan dilaksanakan di luar ruang.
6. Penanganan aspek keselamatan dan kenyamanan pengunjung cukup baik dan dapat ditingkatkan dengan menyediakan jalur evakuasi, posko kesehatan, ambulans, toilet portable, dan pemadam kebakaran. Adapun penanganan aspek kebersihan pada kegiatan ini cukup baik dan dapat ditingkatkan dengan menyediakan tempat sampah yang terjangkau di berbagai tempat serta perlunya meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat dalam menjaga kebersihan lingkungan.
7. Ke depannya event ini dapat ditingkatkan pengemasannya yang mendukung prinsip sustainablity development (keberlanjutan lingkungan), mulai dari pengemasan konsep, dekorasi, hingga adanya upaya pemilahan/pengelolaan sampah serta pengurangan sampah plastik dan penggunaan styrofoam bagi UMKM.
8. Strategi promosi Aceh Ramadhan Festival perlu ditingkatkan, baik secara konvensional maupun digital, yaitu di antaranya dengan meningkatkan pengelolaan website maupun sosial media yang secara konsisten dan berkelanjutan menghadirkan bahan promosi dengan narasi menarik dari jauh-jauh hari. Penggunaan bahasa disarankan setidaknya menggunakan 2 bahasa, yaitu Bahasa Indonesia dan Bahasa Inggris, mengingat Aceh telah dikenal di kancah nasional maupun internasional sebagai salah satu destinasi wisata halal atau ramah Muslim unggulan di Indonesia. Diharapkan dengan promosi yang efektif dan efisien mampu mengangkat Aceh Ramadhan Festival menjadi top of mind bagi wisatawan nusantara maupun mancanegara agar selalu ingat berkunjung ke Aceh saat bulan suci Ramadhan tiba setiap tahunnya dalam rangka merasakan pengalaman spiritual yang unik.
9. Ke depannya Aceh Ramadhan Festival diharapkan dapat bekerja sama dengan berbagai stakeholder dalam menyusun pola perjalanan wisata maupun paket wisata dengan mengedepankan storynomics yang kuat, terutama dengan menargetkan pasar minat khusus wisata religi. Hal ini dalam rangka meningkatkan kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara maupun nusantara untuk berkunjung ke Aceh terutama saat pelaksanaan kegiatan Aceh Ramadhan Festival setiap tahun.

  ENGLISH TRANSLATION Aceh Ramadhan Festival 2024 was held from March 28^th to April 1^st, 2024 in Banda Aceh City, Aceh Province.   General Overview

• Aceh Ramadhan Festival is Aceh Province’s key annual event, organized by Aceh Provincial Government through its Culture and Tourism Office, and designed to be a leading halal tourism destination in Indonesia. This year, this event is once again selected into the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE), marking its fourth consecutive win, four years in a row.
• The event is a collaboration between the Aceh Provincial Office for Culture and Tourism, the Provincial Office for Islamic Sharia, Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, MoTCE, Banda Aceh Municipality, Bank Indonesia, Bank Sharia Indonesia, Bank Aceh, and Rumah Zakat (a community-based distributor of Zakah, a form of almsgiving in Islam). On this occasion, Bank Indonesia supported the event by organizing expos at varying locations in Banda Aceh, launching the “Serambi” program that provides the public with small denomination bills required during Ramadhan and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr, and promoting the tagline #RoadToFESyarSumatera2024.
• This year marks the sixth Aceh Ramadhan Festival, hoisting the theme “"Immerse Yourself into the Spiritual Journey in the Front Porch of Mecca ". The main attractions were concentrated at Aceh’s iconic landmark, the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque; making this event a celebration of the holy month of Ramadhan adorned in local traditions and sacred Islamic rituals, intending to strengthen the Muslim faith while offering an elating and exuberant spiritual experience for Aceh citizens and visitors.
• The event was held for five days in two approximal locations. The main event was held in Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, while the entertainment attractions were staged at the Sagoe Piasan square on the former Hotel Aceh site.
• The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque square hosted the following activities: Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Snack Market, The Serambi and Halal Fair, Ramadhan Zikr (recitation of prayers), The Meudrah (community dialog unique to Acehnese) on Islamic Discourses, Ramadhan Parade, The Khauri Peutamat Daroih (Quran recitation Parade), Community Iftar (breaking of the fast), Isya and Tarawih Prayers, Quran Clinic and Tahsin (Quran reading) Class, Ramadhan Sermon, Quran Recitation Contest, Gampong Aceh Ramadhan (Aceh Ramadhan village), The Khauri Kanji (tapioca porridge feast), Dalael Khairat Exhibition (series of praises for Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h), and Donation for 400 Orphans.
• The attractions at Sagoe Piasan square comprised MSME Bazaar, Islamic Arts Performance, Brief Sermon Before Iftar, Speech Contest, Storytelling Contest, and Traditional religious Musical Performance.
• The event at this venue was attended by the following:

1. 1. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mr. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno;
   2. Acting Governor of Aceh, Mr. Bustami Hamzah;
   3. Member of the 10^th Commission of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal;
   4. Grand Imam of Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Mr. H. Azman Ismail;
   5. MoTCE’s Senior Advisor for Tourist Destination Security and Strategic Issues, Mr. Ario Prawiseso;
   6. Acting Mayor of Banda Aceh, Mr. Amiruddin;
   7. 2^nd Assistant to the Banda Aceh Municipal Secretariat, Mr. Fadhil;
   8. Director of Regional Events, MoTCE, Mr. Reza Fahlevi;
   9. Director of Creative Economy Human Resource Development, MoTCE, Mr. Fahmy Akmal;
   10. Head of Aceh Provincial Culture and Tourism Office, Mr. Almuniza Kamal;
   11. Heads of Regency/Municipal Tourism Departments in Aceh Province;
   12. Strategy and Promotion Team Leader, Directorate of Regional Events, MoTCE, Mr. Eni Komiarti;
   13. Heads of Districts in Banda Aceh;
   14. Government officials from Aceh Provincial and Banda Aceh Municipal Administrations;
   15. Religious Leaders, Indigenous Leaders, academics, communities, media journalists, and tourism/creative economy professionals.

    Event Rundown   ◼️ Day One: Thursday, March 28, 2024

• Opening of the Snack Market and Serambi & Halal Fair on 16:30 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque squares.
• Opening of the Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSME Bazaar (1^st session) on on 16:30 to 18:30 at the former Hotel Aceh site.
• The Sagoe Piasan Aceh Islamic Arts Performance by Fahmil Arabi and Menzeel Nasyeed.
• Ramadhan Zikr, Iftar, Maghrib prayer, Isya prayer, and Tarawih prayer in Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Qur’an Recitation Contest on 22:00 to 23:00 West Indonesia Time at the former Hotel Aceh site.
• Opening of the Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSEM Bazaar (2^nd session) on 22:00 to 23:00 Western Indonesia Time.
• Open Gate Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival dan Bazar UMKM (Sesi II) pada pukul 22.00 s.d. 23.00 WIB.

  ◼️ Day Two: Friday, March 29, 2024

• The Meudrah on Islamic Discourses by Habib Hayqal Alaydrus on 14:30 to 15:30 Western Indonesian Time at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Opening of the Aceh Ramadhan village, Snack Market, and Serambi & Halal Fair on 16:30 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Opening of the Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSME Bazaar (1^st session) on 16:30 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at the former Hotel Aceh site.
• Ramadhan Parade or Decorated Vehicles Parade by representatives of nine districts in Banda Aceh, starting from the Banda Aceh City Hall and finishing at the Banda Aceh Municipal House of Representative.
• Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Aceh Ramadhan Festival, with the following rundown:
• Opening performance by the Collaborative Islamic Arts Attraction by Gita Handayani featuring the Aceh Institute for Islam Cultural Arts.
• Inauguration and Visitation of the Aceh Ramadhan Festival Snack Market, Serambi and Halal Fair, Aceh Ramadhan Village, and Traditional Games Exhibition by Acting Governor of Aceh and Acting Mayor of Banda Aceh.
• Symbolic Distribution of Insurance Benefits by the Indonesian Labor Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) and Symbolic Distribution of the Meunasah QRIS (QR Indonesia Standard) and Halal Certificate.
• Official opening by Acting Governor of Aceh, Acting Mayor of Banda Aceh, and Head of Aceh Provincial Culture and Tourism Office.
• Ramadhan Zikr and the Khauri Peutamat Daroih (Quran recitation parade)
• Iftar, Maghrib prayer, Isya prayer, and Tarawih prayer at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Sagoe Piasan Aceh Islamic Arts Performance by the Raudhatul Bunaya and Zikrayat Gambus art groups.
• Brief Sermon Before Iftar by Habib Hayqal Alaydrus at the former Hotel Aceh square.
• Speech Contest at the former Hotel Aceh square.
• Opening of the Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSME Bazaar (2^nd session) on 22:00 to 23:00 Western Indonesian Time.

  ◼️ Day Three: Saturday, March 30, 2024

• The Meudrah on Islamic Discourses by Habib Umar Ba’bud followed by Quran Clinic and Quran Reading Class by Ustaz Mujtahid Anwar on 14:30 to 15:30 Western Indonesian Time at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Opening of the Aceh Ramadhan Village, Snack Market, and Serambi and Halal Fair on 16:30 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque square.
• Opening of the Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSME Bazaar (2^nd session) on 16:30 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at the former Hotel Aceh square.
• Sagoe Piasan Islamic Art Performance by the Baytul Qur’an Hadrah (Islamic musical art) group.
• Brief Sermon Before Iftar by Ustaz Khalid Muddatsir.
• Ramadhan Zikr, Iftar, Maghrib prayer, Isya prayer, and Tarawih at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Storytelling Contest on 22:00 to 23:00 Western Indonesian Time at the former Hotel Aceh square.
• Opening of the Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSME Bazaar (2^nd session) on 22:00 to 23:00 Western Indonesian Time.

  ◼️ Day Four: Sunday, March 31, 2024

• The Meudrah on Islamic Discourses by Tengku Muntasir Waly on 13:30 to 14:30 Western Indonesian Time.
• Quran Clinic and Quran Reading Class by Ustaz Mujtahid Anwar on 14:30 to 18:00 at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Quran Reading Contest on 14:00 to 18:00 at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Opening of Aceh Ramadhan Village, Snack Market, Serambi and Halal Fair on 16:30 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Opening of Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSME Bazaar (1^st session) on 16:30 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at the former Hotel Aceh square.
• Traditional Religious Music Performance by the Tangke Band.
• Winners announcement of the Quran Recitation Contest.
• Aceh Islamic Arts Performance, the Sudi dance and the Hadrah Zawiyah Nurunnabi
• Brief Sermon Before Iftar by Tengku Zul Arafah.
• Ramadhan Zikr, Iftar, Maghrib prayer, Isya prayer, and Tarawih prayer at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
• Opening of Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSME Bazaar (2^nd session) on 22:00 to 23:00 WIB.

  ◼️ Day Five: Monday, April 1, 2024

• Opening of Aceh Ramadhan Village, Snack Market, and Serambi and Halal Fair on 15:00 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque square.
• Opening of Sagoe Piasan Aceh Ramadhan Festival and MSME Bazaar (1^st session) on 15:00 to 18:30 Western Indonesian Time at the former Hotel Aceh square.
• Aceh Islamic Arts Performance, the Rapa’i Geleng dance by the Geuma Pasee Nanggroe
• Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy’s official visit, consisting of the following schedule:
• Discussion session with MSME vendors on the Sagoe Piasan stage at the former Hotel Aceh square.
• The MoTCE rides an auto-rickshaw to Baiturrahim Grand Mosque and visiting the Snack Market.
• Welcoming the MoTCE with the Hikayat Aceh and Dalael Khairat
• Ngabuburit (spending time in wait for Iftar time) at the Aceh Ramadhan Village by playing the Synchronized Bakiak (board shoes) Race, an Acehnese traditional game.
• MoTCE visits the Khauri Kanji (tapioca porridge feast), cooking the Acehnese traditional porridge on a large pot, served by representatives from nine districts in Banda Aceh, and distributing the porridge to citizens/visitors.
• MoTCE heads to the stage for the Closing Ceromony.
• Closing Ceremony of the 2024 Aceh Ramadhan Festival comprised the following schedule:
• Address by Acting Governor of Aceh, who remarked as follows:

The governor extends his appreciation to the strong collaboration between the Central Government and the Provincial Government in organizing the 2024 Aceh Ramadhan Festival, as a special momentum in introducing Aceh people’s tradition, local wisdom, and Islamic cultures. Aceh citizens should be proud that this event has once again been selected into the KEN 2024, an elite list of Indonesia’s finest tourism events. The governor hopes that the spirit of Ramadhan reflected in this event may grace the people with blessings, peace, inspiration for virtue, and harmony in promoting Aceh’s tourism and creative economy sectors.

• Closing speech by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, who remarked as follows:

The minister extends his appreciation to the Aceh Provincial Government, in particular the Provincial Culture and Tourism Office, and all stakeholders involved in the organization of the 2024 Aceh Ramadhan Festival that has been selected into the KEN program, marking its 4^th consecutive win.  Indonesia sits on the 1^st rank of the 2023 Global Muslim Travel Index, with culinary tourism being her dominantly sought-after tourist attraction. Aceh Ramadhan Festival is one of the religious tourist attractions that offer unique experiences to visitors and feature a culinary MSME Bazaar that fulfills the 63% of tourists’ demands. It is hoped that the economic influences of the tourism and creative economy sectors may further contribute to the welfare of the population. The minister also encourages the Aceh Provincial Government and Aceh citizens to better prepare themselves as the host of the upcoming National Sports Week in September this year. This event has high potentials to boost the region’s economy, particularly for local vendors and professionals in the tourism and creative economy sectors. 

• Awarding of the Appreciatory Plaquette to the Heads of Districts from nine districts in Banda Aceh city.
• Photograph session and media doorstop.
• Communal Zikr and alms-donation to 400 orphans.
• The Iftar, Maghrib prayer, Isya prayer, and Tarawih prayer in Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.

  Conclusion and Evaluation

1. Overall, the 2024 Aceh Ramadhan Festival has been completed properly and efficiently, having garnered significant enthusiasms from local visitors. The event has also attained sufficient collaboration and involvement between stakeholders. Its content comprised Aceh’s diverse traditions and local wisdom, in the form of arts performances and culinary delights; showcasing Ramadhan spiritual experiences draped in local traditions and culture as Aceh’s unique selling point.
2. The concentration of the event’s main activities at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque square allows visitors to revel in the mosque’s grandeur while appreciating the event’s attractions, and at the same time gaining as much spiritual experience as their hearts desire, through various religious and cultural activities, for instance wearing Muslim attires that are mandated by the local regulation. The entertainments and MSME Bazaar were held at the former Aceh Hotel square, very closely-located to the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, accessible in only 5 minutes’ walk. Auto rickshaws were also available around the venue as an alternative transportation.  
3. The event’s venue layout was adequate but could still be improved by designating spaces for media journalists, medical stations, and procuring portable toilets for invited guests as well as general visitors during the 5-day event. The Festival’s esthetics in general were sufficient, particularly from the local wisdom traits that were highlighted. However, the MSME Bazaar needs to be improved by providing other Acehnese local commodities in addition to culinary products.
4. On the 3A (Attraction, Accessibility, Amenities) aspects, the event was adequate considering it was held in Banda Aceh city center. However, there was a lack of amenities in terms of eateries since most restaurants in Banda Aceh are closed during the fasting month of Ramadhan. Efforts need to be made in future event organization in order to accommodate non-Muslim visitors who are not fasting.
5. Event management needs to be improved in anticipating bad weather, such as raining, considering the event was held outdoors.
6. Visitors’ safety and comfort were handled adequately, but they could be improved by providing evacuation routes, medical stations, ambulance units, portable toilets, and fire extinguishers. The cleanliness aspect was adequate, but it could be improved by providing more wastebins and making sure they’re easily accessible, and by raising public awareness in keeping the environment clean.
7. For future organization, the event can be improved by incorporating the principles of environmental sustainability, starting from remodeling the event’s concept, decorations, adopting waste segregation, reducing plastic waste and encouraging MSME vendors to replace it with Styrofoam materials.
8. In terms of promotional strategies, there is room for improvement; both in conventional and digital promotion initiatives. One of the ways is by better utilizing websites and social media more consistently and sustainably in posting promotional materials with appealing narratives, and posting them well ahead of schedule. The promotions need to be delivered bilingually, in Indonesian and English, considering Aceh is already widely known nationally and internationally as one of Indonesia’s leading halal or Muslim-friendly tourist destinations. Effective and efficient promotions could better promote Aceh Ramadhan Festival to domestic and foreign tourists as their first-choice destination during the holy month of Ramadhan, for the unique spiritual experience it offers.
9. In the future, Aceh Ramadhan Festival should be able to work in collaboration with more stakeholders in designing travel plans and tourism packages. It should also prioritize on adopting a strong Storynomics approach, especially by targeting the religious special-interest tourism segment. This is imperative in order to increase domestic and international tourism visits to Aceh, especially during the Aceh Ramadhan Festival.