BorneoEnglish: Kutai Timur News Today
Showing posts with label Kutai Timur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kutai Timur. Show all posts

Monday, April 13, 2026

Kutai Timur Allocates Rp500 Million To Protect 1,200 Hectares Of Rice Fields Through AUTP Program

Kutai Timur Allocates Rp500 Million To Protect 1,200 Hectares Of Rice Fields Through AUTP Program
Kutai Timur allocates Rp500 million for AUTP in 2026 to protect 1,200 hectares of rice fields from crop failure risks and strengthen farmers’ financial resilience.

SANGATTA — The Kutai Timur (Kutim) Regency Government in East Kalimantan continues to strengthen protection for farmers against the risks of crop failure. In 2026, the local administration allocated Rp500 million to safeguard 1,200 hectares of community rice fields through the Rice Farming Insurance Program (AUTP).

Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture, and Livestock Agency (DTPHP) of Kutai Timur, Dyah Ratnaningrum, emphasized that AUTP plays a critical role in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural activities amid unpredictable risks.

“AUTP is one of the key instruments to protect farming activities from the risk of crop failure,” Dyah Ratnaningrum said in Sangatta, East Kalimantan.

Insurance Coverage Targets Key Rice Production Areas

The allocated budget will be distributed across several major rice production zones in Kutai Timur, ensuring farmers receive financial protection if crop losses occur due to natural disasters or plant disturbances.

Before determining the insured land area, the local government worked together with PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia (Jasindo) to conduct field verification and data validation. As a result, 1,200 hectares of rice fields were officially designated to receive insurance coverage.

This verification process ensures that the program is implemented accurately and reflects the real conditions faced by farmers in the region.

Average Insurance Premium Set At Rp416,000 Per Hectare

Under the AUTP scheme, the average insurance premium is set at approximately Rp416,000 per hectare. This figure serves as the main reference in calculating the required budget allocation.

Meanwhile, the agreed insurance protection value reaches Rp12 million per hectare, providing farmers with financial support if crop failure occurs.

Such protection is expected to help farmers recover faster and continue planting during the next growing season without facing severe financial setbacks.

“Farmers who experience losses due to natural disasters or crop disturbances can receive financial compensation, allowing them to continue their farming activities,” Dyah explained.

Protecting Farmers From Floods, Drought, And Pest Attacks

The AUTP program is designed to minimize production risks that frequently threaten agricultural output, including:

  • Flooding

  • Drought

  • Pest and disease attacks

  • Extreme weather changes

These risks often result in significant financial losses for farmers. With insurance protection in place, the economic impact can be reduced substantially.

The local government views AUTP as part of a broader long-term strategy to strengthen sustainable agricultural systems and ensure long-term productivity.

Supporting Food Security And Rural Economic Stability

Beyond providing financial protection, the AUTP program also contributes to strengthening regional food security.

By offering insurance coverage, farmers gain confidence to continue cultivating their land despite potential risks. This sense of security is expected to increase productivity while maintaining the economic stability of rural communities.

Looking ahead, the Kutai Timur government has indicated that the program may be expanded to cover more farmland, allowing a greater number of farmers to benefit from crop insurance support.

FAQ

What is AUTP?

AUTP (Rice Farming Insurance Program) is a government-backed insurance scheme designed to protect farmers from crop losses caused by natural disasters, pests, or other disruptions.

How much farmland is protected in Kutim in 2026?

A total of 1,200 hectares of rice fields are covered under the AUTP program.

How much funding was allocated for the program?

The Kutai Timur government allocated approximately Rp500 million for AUTP implementation in 2026.

What is the compensation amount if crop failure occurs?

Farmers can receive insurance compensation of up to Rp12 million per hectare.

Who verified the farmland data?

Field verification was conducted jointly by the local government and PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia (Jasindo).

Monday, March 23, 2026

Dayak Wehea Traditions Shine At Lom Plai Festival 2026 In Kutai Timur

Lom Plai Festival 2026 in East Kalimantan highlights Dayak Wehea traditions with unique rituals and cultural attractions as part of the KEN 2026 calendar.
Lom Plai Festival 2026 in East Kalimantan highlights Dayak Wehea traditions with unique rituals and cultural attractions as part of the KEN 2026 calendar.

KUTAI TIMUR – The East Kalimantan Provincial Government continues to show its strong commitment to preserving local cultural heritage through the Lom Plai Festival 2026, held in Nehas Liah Bing Village, Kutai Timur Regency.

More than just a celebration, Lom Plai represents a powerful symbol of how the Dayak Wehea community maintains its cultural identity amid rapid modernization.

Head of the East Kalimantan Tourism Office, Ririn Sari Dewi, emphasized that the tradition carries deep meaning for the local community.

“The Lom Plai traditional festival is not merely a thanksgiving celebration for the harvest, but a real manifestation of the Dayak Wehea community’s resilience in preserving their cultural identity,” she said during a confirmation in Samarinda on Monday.

Adding to its significance, the Lom Plai Festival 2026 is officially included in the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026 calendar, making it one of Indonesia’s key cultural tourism attractions.

A Series Of Meaningful Rituals

The Lom Plai tradition begins on March 23 with the sacred Ngesea Egung ritual, marked by the striking of a gong to signal the start of the entire ceremonial series.

Following this, the community performs the Laq Pesyai ritual by traveling together to the upstream area of the Wehea River. There, they collect forest products such as fruits and rattan, which are essential for the upcoming ceremonies.

The rituals continue with Naq Pesyai Duq Min and Wet Min, symbolizing the establishment of boundaries between the upstream and downstream areas of the village using woven rattan.

One of the most unique traditions is Ngelwung Pan, where indigenous women perform a closed spiritual ritual beneath the ancestral Hepui house.

As April begins, the atmosphere becomes even more vibrant. Residents build temporary riverside shelters in a tradition known as Naq Jengea, in preparation for the festival’s peak.

Peak Celebration Full Of Cultural Attractions

The highlight of the festival, known as Bob Jengea, features a variety of cultural performances. Visitors can enjoy traditional parades, the iconic Hudoq dance, and even a mock river battle performance called Seksiang.

The entire series of rituals concludes with the Embos Epaq Plai ceremony on April 29, 2026. This closing ritual serves to cleanse the village of negative elements and to pray for blessings for the next planting season.

Ririn expressed hope that collaboration between traditional leaders and the government will continue to ensure the sustainability of this cultural heritage.

“We hope this tradition will continue to thrive as part of Indonesia’s invaluable cultural legacy,” she stated.

A Strong Potential For Cultural Tourism

With its inclusion in the KEN 2026 calendar, Lom Plai has a strong opportunity to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Beyond being a cultural event, the festival serves as a gateway to introduce the rich traditions of East Kalimantan to a wider global audience.

For travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, Lom Plai Festival 2026 is definitely worth adding to the bucket list.

FAQ

1. What is the Lom Plai Festival?
It is an annual traditional festival of the Dayak Wehea community, celebrating harvest gratitude and cultural preservation.

2. Where is Lom Plai 2026 held?
In Nehas Liah Bing Village, Kutai Timur, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

3. When is the peak of Lom Plai 2026?
The festival runs from March to April, with the closing ceremony on April 29, 2026.

4. What are the main attractions?
Traditional rituals, Hudoq dance, cultural parades, and river battle performances (Seksiang).

5. Is Lom Plai part of a national event program?
Yes, it is included in the Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026 calendar.

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