The Chairman of the HJKS Committee, Sendi Apriadi, expressed that this decision was not made lightly. Most preparations were nearly complete, with some events reaching 100% readiness, yet the national situation necessitated a rescheduling. “There are supporting sectors that will likely be affected, such as local businesses and the hospitality industry, as the economic flow is disrupted due to this postponement. We were almost fully prepared, with some events at 90% and others at 100%. All production was underway, but everyone understands that we must defer and reschedule. This anniversary event is eagerly awaited by all, so we must accept this postponement. We all hope for a swift return to normalcy and a conducive environment for Sukabumi,” Sendi stated in Palabuhanratu on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Over the past three years, HJKS has served as a vital engine for the local economy. In 2022, the Sukabumi Ngabumi celebration featured 68 post-pandemic events. Without any APBD support, community participation soared, and the economic turnover reached IDR 2.8 billion from selected events. The following year, in 2023, this figure nearly doubled to IDR 5.8 billion as the scope of events expanded beyond Palabuhanratu. The peak occurred in 2024, when the economic impact of HJKS extended into the hotel and tourism sectors.
“In 2024, we witnessed an extraordinary increase as we tapped into the hospitality sector. Friends from PHRI reported a substantial rise, reaching IDR 7.8 billion. Additionally, we welcomed around 100,000 visitors during the anniversary event, both from domestic and international locations, resulting in fully booked hotels that year,” Sendi explained.
This year, the committee aimed for an economic turnover of IDR 10 billion from the HJKS events, focusing on local businesses and maritime tourism. This target aligns with the ambitious plans for HJKS 2024, which seeks to generate IDR 10.5 billion and incorporate more tourist destinations and creative industries. However, the national situation has necessitated the postponement of most plans. The effects are palpable: production has halted, promotions have abruptly ceased, the hotel sector is processing refund requests, and tourism activities have slowed down.
Sendi emphasized that the postponement is only temporary. “These events will be held later when conditions are favorable. We have everything prepared, and we want this year’s HJKS to remain a space for togetherness, creativity, and pride for the people of Sukabumi,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Reza Bram Adiguna, General Manager of Grand Inna Samudera Beach Hotel (GISBH), has felt the direct effects of the HJKS postponement on the hospitality sector. This hotel, traditionally a host for esteemed guests during the anniversary, has also been impacted.
“The repercussions of the protest issue in Palabuhanratu are being felt. The Anniversary of Sukabumi typically energizes the local economy, but now, we are sensing the effects in our accommodations. GISBH is often a prime choice for guests, especially VIPs. Indeed, I can confirm that we are significantly affected, but we cannot predict situations like this,” Reza said.
According to him, concerns about security and the protests have led many guests from Jakarta, Jabodetabek, and Bandung to postpone their trips to Palabuhanratu. “The protests are quite alarming; many of our guests have inquired about the situation here. We assure them that our area is safe, but several have decided to delay their trips for now,” he elaborated.
Reza pointed out that the impact extends beyond the hotel industry, affecting tourism, dining, and the local economy. “From an economic perspective, the effects are widespread—not just limited to accommodations, but also affecting attractions, local vendors, and restaurants. I noticed during my rounds in Pelabuhanratu on Sunday and Monday that many cafes and restaurants were notably quiet,” he shared.
Furthermore, Reza noted that around five to seven large groups had already booked rooms at GISBH from September 1 to 13 but are now rescheduling. “This is business that was confirmed, with those groups collectively worth around IDR 200 million. This does not include potential staycation guests who have now postponed. The impact is indeed significant,” he remarked.
Despite this challenging situation, Reza assured that the hotel has not taken steps to reduce its workforce and remains optimistic for recovery. “Currently, we are maintaining our staff levels, believing that conditions will improve sooner or later. We have also implemented prudent resource allocation. For now, we can survive the upcoming month or two without needing to consider layoffs,” he explained.
While this postponement has resulted in considerable economic repercussions, the committee hopes that the people of Sukabumi will continue to support and maintain stability. HJKS represents more than just a celebration; it is a platform for unity, creativity, and economic opportunity for all. When the time is right, the committee is committed to ensuring that the celebration returns with great fanfare, benefiting local businesses, the hospitality sector, tourism, and all residents of Sukabumi Regency.
