Kelanawisata.id, Wonosobo – A region’s progress is determined not only by physical development and economic growth, but also by the quality of its human resources—those capable of serving as agents of change. For this reason, the Mas Mbak Wonosobo Pageant serves as a platform for fostering a young generation that is forward-thinking, possesses integrity, has a spirit of leadership, and is committed to the region’s progress. This message was conveyed by the Deputy Regent of Wonosobo, Amir Husein, during the Grand Final of the 2026 Mas Mbak Wonosobo Pageant (PMMW), held at Wonosobo Town Square on Friday evening, June 12, 2026.

Amir Husein emphasized that the consistent organization of the Mas Mbak Wonosobo Pageant is a long-term investment in preparing the younger generation who will one day represent Wonosobo Regency in various spheres of service and achievement.

According to him, what the event seeks is not merely the ability to perform on stage, but rather the region’s finest young men and women who possess broad perspectives, integrity, communication skills, leadership qualities, and a commitment to the progress of Wonosobo Regency.

“The Mas Mbak Wonosobo Pageant is part of a collective effort to prepare a young generation that is outstanding, of good character, and competitive. This is because the region’s progress is determined not only by physical development and economic growth but also by the quality of human resources capable of driving change amid an increasingly dynamic society,” he said.

He hopes that the selected tourism ambassadors will serve as the best representatives of Wonosobo and as creative promotional agents in introducing the region’s various outstanding potentials to a wider audience. With their creativity and enthusiasm, the tourism ambassadors are expected to strengthen the region’s positive image while driving the advancement of the tourism sector.

However, Amir emphasized that the role of tourism ambassadors does not stop at promoting tourism alone. They are also expected to serve as active development partners, contributing ideas, innovations, and positive actions for the community.

“We still face various development challenges, ranging from children not attending school, stunting, poverty, to other social issues. Therefore, I hope the tourism ambassadors can play a role commensurate with their capacity and influence as both inspirers and drivers of social activities and community empowerment,” he said.

On that occasion, Amir also called on the finalists and tourism ambassadors to support sustainable tourism development in Wonosobo Regency, including through the development of the Lima Dieng Baru area, the strengthening of flagship destinations, and the development of tourism villages scattered across various regions.

According to him, tourism villages have great potential as centers of economic growth for the community as well as spaces for the preservation of local culture. Therefore, collaboration among the government, tourism stakeholders, tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis), the community, and tourism ambassadors is crucial for improving the quality of management and the competitiveness of tourism villages.

All of these efforts, Amir continued, are in line with the 2025–2045 regional development vision, namely to establish Wonosobo as a leading center for agribusiness and tourism in Central Java that is advanced, prosperous, and sustainable.

Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the Wonosobo Regency Tourism and Culture Office, M. Kristijadi, stated that the PMMW 2026 Grand Final is part of the 2026 Muda Berbudaya Festival series, a collaborative event initiated by Wonosobo’s creative youth who are members of the Paguyuban Mas Mbak Wonosobo (PAMMBOS), Around Me, and the Wonosobo Extravaganza Costume Association (WECA).

The festival, themed “Swarna Mahardhika Wanasaba,” has been included in the 2026 Wonosobo Regency Event Calendar and is also part of the series of events commemorating the 201st anniversary of Wonosobo Regency.

Kristijadi explained that the 2026 Youth Culture Festival began at noon with the Wonosobo Youth Talent event and continued that evening with the Grand Final of the 2026 Mas Mbak Wonosobo Pageant. On Saturday (June 13, 2026), the series of events will continue with the Wonosobo Kids Fashion Carnival and the Wonosobo Night Fashion Carnival at the same venue.

Specifically for the 2026 Mas Mbak Wonosobo Pageant, a total of 30 finalists—comprising 15 male (Mas) and 15 female (Mbak) finalists—have participated in various selection stages over the course of nearly one month. These stages included administrative screening, the creation of promotional videos, a catwalk challenge in a public area, pre-quarantine training, quarantine at Talunombo Tourism Village, a motion challenge, an assessment of interests and talents, a preliminary round, a visit to Tambi Tea Resort, and the grand final.

“The Wonosobo tourism ambassadors are expected to serve as tourism promotion agents capable of attracting tourists through various creative strategies aligned with their talents, passions, and capabilities. They are also expected to collaborate with the local government and all stakeholders in building a more advanced, prosperous, and competitive Wonosobo,” he said.

After going through all the evaluation stages, the panel of judges selected the best pair to serve as Wonosobo Regency’s tourism ambassadors for the next two years.

Winners of the 2026 Mas Mbak Wonosobo Pageant: Narendra Istighfaro Ahmad Al Ghani was crowned Mas Wonosobo 2026, and Kayla Zahra Ramadhany was crowned Mbak Wonosobo 2026.

The First Runner-Up for Mas Wonosobo 2026 is Mukhammad Syabil Raysha Putra, and the First Runner-Up for Mbak Wonosobo 2026 is Fericha Kirana. Meanwhile, the Second Runner-Up for Mas Wonosobo 2026 is Kholiq Aziz (Wadaslintang), and the Second Runner-Up for Mbak Wonosobo 2026 is Snada Azahra Amajida (Wonosobo).

The selection of Narendra Istighfaro Ahmad Al Ghani and Kayla Zahra Ramadhany marks the conclusion of the Mas Mbak Wonosobo 2026 pageant series. However, the real challenge has only just begun. Amid a shift in tourism promotion strategies toward the digital realm, tourism ambassadors are expected not only to serve as ceremonial symbols but also to generate innovative ideas, build connections with the community, and represent Wonosobo as a relevant, creative, and competitive destination at both the regional and national levels.

The success of the 2026 Mas Mbak Wonosobo Pageant will ultimately be measured by the tangible contributions of the tourism ambassadors in advancing the tourism sector, preserving local culture, and inspiring the younger generation to love and develop Wonosobo Regency.

Writen by Dimas D. Pradikta, S.E., M.M - Adyatama Kepariwisataan dan Ekonomi Kreatif Ahli Pertama Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Wonosobo
Curator & translate by kelanawisata.id