Mawatu opens visitor space for Sasando musician in Labuan Bajo

Mawatu — Mawatu held its soft opening on 16 October 2026, giving Sasando musician Jigril Pah a space to perform and introduce Rote traditional music to visitors in the kawasan. Pah performed at the Sasando Bajo stand during the event.

Why it matters: Visitors to Labuan Bajo can encounter Rote traditional music at Mawatu’s Sasando Bajo stand during the development’s first operating phase.

Pah said Mawatu had given him room to express himself through art and culture while introducing Sasando to more people, according to Pos-Kupang. He has practised the instrument for decades and came to West Manggarai in 2017 after originating from Rote and previously living in Kupang.

The Sasando stand is part of Mawatu’s visitor-facing commercial offering. VoxNTT reported that the soft opening took place at the area’s amphitheatre and Streetbar, with local cultural performances included in the programme.

West Manggarai Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng attended the opening, alongside regional leaders, business partners, customary figures and journalists, VoxNTT reported. Weng praised the provision of space for local cultural preservation through weekly arts performances.

Mawatu is a coastal integrated area in Labuan Bajo. Its first operating phase includes retail and accommodation facilities, while Cinema XXI is also being introduced at the site, according to VoxNTT.

Sources

• Pos-Kupang
• VoxNTT