Denpasar, Aug. 9 -- A total of 1,685 traditional and creative kites took part in the 17th Mel Tanjung Kite Festival (MKTF XVII) 2026 at Mekarsari Beach in Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday.

The festival, organized by ST Eka Dharma of Banjar Tanjung, Sanur Kauh Village, was officially opened by Denpasar Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa, who launched a kite at the beach before watching the competition.

Mel Tanjung Kite Festival advisor I Wayan Mariyana Wandhira said this year's festival carries the theme "Bhumi Samudra Akasa Sanggama", which represents harmony among land, sea, and sky as the foundation for the birth and preservation of culture from one generation to the next.

"The event provides a space for enthusiasts to enjoy the a...