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| Preserving Identity in a Changing World: Vice Governor Attends Dayak Festival in Sintang. |
Sintang – Culture is identity, and identity must never be lost. That was the heartfelt message delivered by West Kalimantan Vice Governor Krisantus Kurniawan during his visit to the 12th Pekan Gawai Dayak (PGD) in Sintang. The event took place at Rumah Betang Tampun Juah, Jerora Satu Village, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Grateful to be in good health and able to attend such a meaningful event, Krisantus emphasized how valuable this cultural gathering is to the Dayak community. For him, PGD is more than just a celebration — it is a time to reconnect with the roots and honor the traditions passed down by ancestors.
He expressed, “We should be thankful to have the strength and health to gather here. Gawai Dayak is not just about food and music. It’s a moment of gratitude for the blessings we’ve received throughout the past year — from health to career and more.”
Gawai Dayak: More Than a Festival, It’s a Deep Cultural Expression
The Dayak Festival, held annually, is one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events. It’s a time when the Dayak people celebrate their heritage through traditional dances, music, and rituals, while also giving thanks to the Creator.
Vice Governor Krisantus highlighted that this festival holds a deeper meaning than just entertainment. It is a spiritual and cultural symbol of identity.
He explained, “This isn’t just an event for fun. It is a sacred space to appreciate what our ancestors left us. It’s how we express our gratitude, show our pride, and maintain our cultural legacy.”
Culture in the Digital Age: Stay Rooted in Tradition Amid Rapid Change
One key point raised during his speech was the urgent need to preserve cultural identity in the face of rapid technological growth. In today’s digital era, traditional cultures are at risk of being forgotten if not actively preserved.
Krisantus warned, “If we don’t protect our own culture, it will disappear. Culture is our identity, and identity is our pride. Without it, we lose a part of who we are.”
He encouraged the younger generation to get involved in preserving Dayak culture — whether by participating in traditional events, learning native languages, or using social media to introduce Dayak traditions to a wider audience.
Appreciation for Progress: Improved Infrastructure Shows Community Spirit
Krisantus also took the opportunity to observe positive changes at the venue. One noticeable improvement was the cemented ground in the Rumah Betang courtyard, which used to get muddy during events.
He recalled, “I remember how white shoes would turn yellow from the muddy ground. But today, it’s all been paved. That shows real progress.”
Such changes reflect the community’s commitment to improving cultural spaces, ensuring they are welcoming and functional for future festivals.
West Kalimantan Government’s Commitment: Taking Dayak Culture to the Global Stage
The Vice Governor emphasized that the West Kalimantan provincial government is fully committed to supporting and promoting Dayak culture beyond regional and national levels.
As a show of support, Krisantus symbolically handed over financial assistance to the PGD Sintang committee, received directly by the head organizer. This gesture represents the government's dedication to enhancing the quality and reach of local cultural events.
“Our cultural heritage deserves to be seen and respected globally. That’s why we continue to back events like Gawai Dayak and help them grow,” he said.
Protecting Culture Means Securing the Future
As the event wrapped up, the message was clear: culture is not just a memory of the past — it is a foundation for the future. Without culture, we lose our sense of identity. That’s why efforts to preserve traditions like Gawai Dayak are essential.
This year’s Gawai in Sintang wasn’t just another celebration. It was a powerful reminder of how much value lies in staying connected to one’s roots. For the people of West Kalimantan and Indonesia as a whole, keeping culture alive is one of the most important legacies to pass on.