West Kalimantan 15th Gawai Dayak Preserves Heritage and Cultural Identity
- 22 Jul 2026 20:04 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Poin Utama
- The 15th Gawai Dayak in Sekadau highlights the preservation of Dayak cultural identity while supporting inclusive economic development and investment in West Kalimantan.
- The provincial government encouraged MSMEs, artisans, and creative-economy players to use the event to promote local products and expand into wider markets.
RRI.CO.ID, Sekadau - The staging of the 15th Gawai Dayak in Sekadau Regency demonstrates the resilience of West Kalimantan’s cultural identity amid modernization and rising investment. The West Kalimantan Provincial Administration affirmed that regional economic progress must not displace cultural character and customary values passed down through generations.
The cultural celebration was opened by West Kalimantan Deputy Governor, Krisantus Kurniawan, and Chairperson of the Provincial Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK), Donata Krisantus. The opening ceremony took place at Betang Youth Center, Jalan Panglima Naga on Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
In his remarks, Krisantus apreciated the Sekadau Regency Administration and the Sekadau Dayak Customary Council (DAD) for their consistent efforts to preserve Gawai Dayak as a culturally strategic heritage for regional development.
“Gawai Dayak is not merely a traditional festival, it is a space to strengthen kinship, preserve culture, and promote local potential. The West Kalimantan Provincial Administration is committed to supporting all customary and cultural activities because they are identities we must protect. Through this Gawai, let us nurture the spirit of togetherness, mutual cooperation, and tolerance so West Kalimantan remains harmonious and progressive,” he said, as quoted on infopublik.id.
Held from 21 to 25 July 2026, the five-day Gawai Dayak XV in Sekadau embodies the Dayak community’s gratitude for a year’s work and harvest, while serving to reinforce unity, preserve customs, and stimulate the local economy.
Krisantus also urged micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, and creative-economy players to use the Gawai as an opportunity to showcase flagship local products and compete in broader markets. He underscored the importance of strengthening three main pillars of Dayak society, which are political sovereignty, cultural identity, and economic independence.
“Dayak people must be bolder in taking leading roles in regional leadership. They should also strengthen economic capacity by producing more entrepreneurs and local investors. Our cultural identity has been formed and preserved through annual Gawai Dayak celebrations. Economically, however, we must fortify ourselves so more Dayak entrepreneurs and investors emerge to drive the regional economy," he said.
Krisantus further affirmed the provincial administration’s commitment to fostering a healthy, safe investment climate that delivers tangible benefits for communities.
“The administration will protect all investors in West Kalimantan. But investments must improve community welfare. Economic growth must go hand in hand with social justice so that development benefits are truly felt by the people,” he said.
Gawai Dayak XV in Sekadau featured a variety of activities, including an MSME exhibition, traditional arts competitions, and customary rituals. The festival also showcased musical performances and the selection of Bujang Dara Gawai (Dayak Gawai Cultural Ambassadors), attracting strong public interest.
Betang Youth Center, the main venue, is expected to serve as a cultural promotion hub and a catalyst for Sekadau’s creative economy. The atmosphere was solemn and festive, beginning with a welcoming dance and customary rituals that reflected the richness of Dayak culture in Sekadau. ***
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