Thousands of residents and Harita Nickel employees gathered at the Kawasi Village Commercial Area on Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku, on October 24–25, 2026. Through Festival Harmoni Obi, local communities and the company came together to celebrate unity while showcasing the island’s cultural heritage, local businesses, and rich marine resources.
Residents from Kawasi, Soligi, and surrounding villages took part in various activities, including cultural performances, live music, a micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) bazaar, the Obi Fishing Tournament, and a communal cooking event.
Kawasi Village Secretary Frans Datang expressed his appreciation for the festival, which brought residents and employees together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
“Through this festival, residents not only enjoy entertainment but also have the opportunity to showcase their culture, promote local products, and highlight Obi Island’s potential. We hope events like this will continue to bring people together and create lasting benefits for the community,” he said.
Celebrating Culture and Supporting Local Businesses
Collaboration between the community and the company was reflected in the festival’s cultural and musical performances. Two local dance groups and a children's choir performed alongside Sanggar Masigero, a traditional dance group consisting of Harita Nickel employees. The festival stage also featured North Maluku musician Rama Arief and bands formed by company employees.
At the bazaar, ten local MSMEs offered a variety of traditional foods and snacks from Obi and North Maluku. Women entrepreneurs supported by Harita Nickel also showcased their products, including Obi Snack and nutmeg-based specialties.
The enthusiastic response from visitors resulted in all products selling out in less than an hour.
Showcasing Obi Island’s Marine Potential
The Obi Fishing Tournament was among the festival’s most anticipated activities. This year, more than 270 participants registered, most of whom were fishermen from Kawasi, Soligi, and villages surrounding the company's operational area. Participation increased significantly from 135 contestants the previous year.
The Harita Nickel organizing committee, together with the Indonesian Anglers Association (Asosiasi Pemancing Republik Indonesia), evaluated catches based on fish species and weight. Participants caught various species, including red snapper, grouper, tuna, and giant trevally.
The competition took place in waters off the coastal area, with regulations focusing on target fish species commonly consumed or traded. The capture of protected species was strictly prohibited.
“Obi Island has tremendous marine potential. Therefore, it is important for all of us to preserve its marine ecosystems so that local communities can continue to benefit from these resources for generations to come,” Frans said.
The festival concluded with a communal cooking and dining event. Dozens of local women collaborated with Stephanie Meyerson, winner of the 13th season of MasterChef Indonesia, to prepare freshly caught fish into traditional dishes, including spicy and sour fish stew (ikan asam pedas) and fish satay (sate lilit ikan). Residents and employees then gathered to enjoy the meals together.
Harita Nickel VP of Environmental Marine, Windy Prayogo, emphasized the importance of preserving the island's cultural and natural heritage.
“For us, Obi Island is more than just a place where the company operates. It is also home to communities whose culture, potential, and sense of togetherness deserve to be continuously preserved and nurtured,” he said.
Through Festival Harmoni Obi 2026, local communities and Harita Nickel shared a space to celebrate cultural heritage, support local enterprises, and showcase Obi Island’s marine richness. The spirit of togetherness reflected in the festival also reinforced a shared commitment to protecting the island’s natural environment and preserving its local traditions.