Wainyapu Village Commits to the Success of the 2026 Pasola Traditional Festival

MALARIA PERDHAKI – SOUTHWEST SUMBA. On February 19, 2026, SSR PWK Weetabula initiated a coordination meeting in Wainyapu Village, Kodi Balaghar Subdistrict, Southwest Sumba Regency. Several stakeholders attended the meeting, including the Malaria Program Officer of the Southwest Sumba District Health Office, Chendriani R. Fernandes; the Secretary of Kodi Balaghar Subdistrict, Lodowyk A. Lalo; and the Head of Panenggo Ede Community Health Center, Elisabeth Mone. The coordination meeting produced several outcomes. One of them was the commitment of Wainyapu Village to support the successful implementation of the traditional Pasola festival.

The Pasola Traditional Festival is a ritual skill-based game involving horseback riding and the throwing of wooden spears between groups of warriors. This traditional festival attracts both domestic and international tourists every year to visit East Nusa Tenggara, particularly Sumba Island, to witness this unique local tradition firsthand.

Wainyapu Village, specifically in Kacaru Hamlet, will also hold the Pasola Traditional Festival on March 11, 2026. With the event approaching, Wainyapu Village must prepare itself to welcome the arrival of tourists.

In her presentation, the Malaria Program Officer of the Southwest Sumba District Health Office, Chendriani R. Fernandes, asked all parties to commit to supporting the organization of the event. “Wainyapu Village must be ready to ensure the success of the annual Pasola Traditional Festival,” she said. event tersebut. “Desa Wainyapu harus siap menyukseskan event tahunan Pesta Adat Pasola.” Ujarnya.

She stated that at least four anticipatory actions need to be taken to support the success of the event. 

First, distributing and installing mosquito nets in houses prepared for guests or tourists.

Second, clearing standing water around the Pasola event area within a radius of 500 meters.

Third, cleaning the environment, including roads, yards, and residential areas.

Fourth, conducting initial screening for guests and tourists by health workers and JMD cadres.

Through the hard work and synergy of all parties involved, it is hoped that no guest or tourist visiting Wainyapu Village will contract malaria.

May health and safety accompany every step of the visitors. Success to Wainyapu Village in organizing the Pasola Traditional Festival—may this cultural heritage continue to be preserved and bring blessings to all.