Bintan, Riau Islands (ANTARA) – A durian feast in Bintan District, Riau Islands Province, is promoting the district's signature durian and culinary heritage, drawing hundreds of domestic and international visitors, District Head Roby Kurniawan said.”The event is more than a feast or a celebration of the durian harvest; it serves as a symbol of gratitude for the Malay people and a means of strengthening friendship and preserving cultural heritage,” Kurniawan said while opening the 2026 Bintan Durian Feast and Festival on Sunday.Besides showcasing the district's natural beauty and rich Malay cultural heritage, the festival also serves as an opportunity to promote Bintan's signature durian daun variety, known for its smaller size and longer thorns.”We want to bring durian daun, Bintan's culinary icon, to the international stage,” the district head said.Kurniawan said the event attracted 650 participants, including international visitors from Malaysia and the Netherlands.The event began with a trek to Mount Bintan and concluded with a traditional durian feast, where participants sat on the floor in a circle to enjoy the fruit together.According to Kurniawan, the strong public enthusiasm for the event reflects Bintan's growing popularity as a tourist destination among domestic and international visitors.He expressed optimism that this potential would help drive the local economy as the district government continues to organize promotional events and festivals while implementing policies to strengthen agriculture and support small businesses.While expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event's success, Kurniawan also encouraged the public to help promote Bintan tourism and its signature durian daun variety.