Kutai Kartanegara Opens 244th Erau Adat Kutai by Sacred Ritual

RRI.CO.ID, Tenggarong – The Mendirikan Tiang Ayu (Erecting the Sacred Pole) ritual at the Mulawarman Palace courtyard, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan marked the commencement of the 2026 Erau Adat Kutai, a featured national tourism event featured in the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) initiative.

Showcasing 14th-century cultural traditions, the week-long festival offers visitors cultural immersion alongside Kutai Kartanegara’s creative economy offerings.

Erau is a week-long cultural festival in Tenggarong, East Kalimantan, that originated in the 14th century as a royal Kutai Kartanegara coronation ritual. Today, it unites sacred palace traditions, such as erecting the sacred Tiang Ayu pole and releasing dragon replicas into the Mahakam River, with public art performances, night markets, and community celebrations.

This year, the Erau Adat Kutai carries the theme The King Unites with His People, The King Feasts His People. The theme emphasizes that Erau extends beyond palace proceedings to actively engage the local community.

The opening ceremony was attended by Assistant Deputy for Tourism Amenity and Accessibility Development for the Kalimantan Region at the Ministry of Tourism, Dwi Marhen Yono; alongside the Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura, Aji Muhammad Arifin. Also present were Kutai Kartanegara Regent, Aulia Rahman Basri; the Deputy Regent, members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), royal family members, traditional leaders, and cultural figures.

Following the erection of the Tiang Ayu, proceedings moved to Rondong Demang Stadium for the official opening ceremony, marked by the striking of the gong, the reading of the royal decree, and the lighting of the Api Brong (ceremonial torch).

The Erau ceremony traces back to 1300–1325, first held during the coronation of Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti as the first King of Kutai Kartanegara. Since then, Erau has served as the traditional rite for royal successions and coronations.

Over time, the event evolved beyond royal coronations to include the conferring of honorary titles by the monarch upon community figures for outstanding service to the kingdom.

That tradition continues today. Kutai Kartanegara Regent, Aulia Rahman Basri, emphasized that Erau is more than an annual celebration, it represents a living legacy passed down through generations.

"Erau is not merely an annual traditional festival or a cultural display. It is a living heritage handed down through generations, teaching us to respect our ancestors, remain faithful to custom, unite as citizens, and maintain balance between humanity, nature, and the Creator," he said, as quoted by Antara.

Aulia added that every ritual, dance, and chant within the Erau ceremony embodies values inherited from past generations, including ancestral reverence, adherence to custom, social cohesion, and harmony among humans, nature, and God. Reflecting its cultural significance, the 2026 Erau Adat Kutai was selected for the national Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) tourism calendar.

"The culture of Kutai Kartanegara possesses not only local appeal, but also serves as a benchmark for national culture," said Aulia.

He extended an invitation to visitors from rural communities, major cities across the Indonesian archipelago, and international tourists to visit Tenggarong, known as the Royal City. Situated along the banks of the Mahakam River, Tenggarong stands as a place where history, custom, religion, and culture coexist within daily life.

"Erau is more than a cultural ritual, it is a moment to strengthen community bonds, showcase Kutai’s rich heritage, and reinforce synergy between local administration, the central government, and the public," noted Aulia.

According to the regent, the presence of the Ministry of Tourism representative underscores central government support for regional cultural preservation.

Ministry of Tourism representative, Dwi Marhen Yono noted that international tourists visit Indonesia not solely for its beaches or landscapes, but for its rich cultural heritage, citing Erau as a premier cultural asset.

The 244th Erau Adat Kutai cultural festival, which opened on September 20, will run for one week. The event will conclude on September 28 with the Merebahkan Pinang Ayu (Lowering the Sacred Pole) ritual, coinciding with the anniversary of Tenggarong City.

The festival schedule includes exhibitions, night markets, cultural performances, and community gatherings designed to connect residents with their heritage.

The erection of the Tiang Ayu at the Kutai Palace courtyard remains a central element of the festival, demonstrating how traditional practices endure alongside modern developments. Erau will continue to define Kutai Kartanegara’s identity as long as future generations preserve and honor these traditions. ***

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