Long Boat Race Promotes Berau’s River Heritage and Tourism

RRI.CO.ID, Berau - Berau Regency in East Kalimantan is leveraging its enduring connection to the Segah River, celebrated through the 2026 Long Boat Race, as both a means of safeguarding maritime heritage and a unique cultural tourism attraction. Local authorities view the preservation of this river-based cultural bond as essential not only for maintaining the region’s maritime identity, but also for developing distinctive tourism experiences that draw visitors.

“The Long Boat Race is not merely a competition; it is a space to keep traditions passed down through generations alive and known to younger people,” said Berau Deputy Regent, Gamalis, in Tanjung Redeb on Monday, September 28, 2026.

He emphasized that customs and cultural practices must be preserved sustainably, as this rich traditional heritage can serve as a key asset in developing Berau’s tourism sector. According to Gamalis, local traditions can be packaged into cultural attractions that enrich tourists’ experiences when visiting the region.

“Culture and traditions inherited from our ancestors must continue to be guarded and preserved so they grow stronger, ultimately boosting tourist visits,” he added, as quoted by Antara.

Gamalis noted that this approach aligns with Berau’s rising tourist arrivals in recent years. Administration data shows that in 2024, the regency recorded 557,214 tourist visits, comprising 552,920 domestic tourists and 4,294 international visitors.

That figure rose to 782,266 tourists in 2025, marking an increase of approximately 40 percent compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, from January to April 2026 alone, tourist arrivals had already reached 201,852.

Gamalis expressed hope that cultural events like the Long Boat Race would continue to be developed, evolving beyond an annual local agenda into an attraction capable of drawing tourists from outside Berau.

“We are all building our beloved Berau together. We must not let these inherited traditions disappear. Instead, they must be nurtured collectively, developed, and continuously introduced to younger generations,” he said.

Looking ahead, Gamalis envisions the Long Boat Race growing into a cultural event of national and even international scale, thereby raising awareness of Berau’s traditions while strengthening the region’s tourism appeal.

“Through this, local culture that continues to be preserved by the community will gain wider recognition and, at the same time, become a draw for tourists to visit Berau,” concluded Gamalis. ***