Dayak Culture Takes Center Stage at Naik Dango Festival

PONTIANAK, Thekabarnews.com—On Monday, April 20, a vibrant cultural parade officially inaugurated the third Naik Dango Festival, traversing the streets of Pontianak, West Kalimantan. The parade featured hundreds of participants.

The procession started from Rumah Betang Sutoyo to Rumah Radakng on Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Street. The participants wore the traditional Dayak costumes of red and black. Artisans decorated these costumes with beads and distinctive ornaments. As a result, they were an impressive sight to the crowd.

The procession saw the participation of about 38 groups from various communities. People of diverse ethnic backgrounds attended. In addition, visitors from Sarawak, Malaysia, attended the event. This demonstrated the festival’s increasing inclusiveness and cross-cultural appeal.

Pontianak Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono officially opened the parade. He is stressing the importance of Naik Dango as an annual cultural event in the city.

“This event preserves the culture and encourages local economic growth, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” he said after the ceremony.

“The local administration continues to promote cultural events through technical assistance and providing funds for the effective implementation of these activities and wider public participation, including tourists,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Pontianak Dayak Customary Council (DAD) leader Yohanes Nenes invited the people in West Kalimantan to participate in the major event of the festival. The event is scheduled to take place at Rumah Radakng from April 21 to 25, 2026.

The five-day celebration will feature exhibitions, culinary stalls, and cultural performances by prominent Dayak artists. It will also attract large crowds and further promote local heritage.

“This is not just entertainment; it’s about preserving our cultural identity,” Yohanes said.

He also explained the conceptual difference between Naik Dango and other cultural festivals such as the Gawai Festival of the Dayaks. Naik Dango was focused on traditional values, with 60 percent on traditional rites. The remaining focus was 40 percent on artistic expression, he said.

“Naik Dango is thanks to the harvest and has a deeper traditional meaning,” he said.

The organizers have also deployed teams to tidy up and park the cars around the Rumah Radakng for the expected guests. The cleaning staff was in early this morning. This was to ensure the place was ready for the event.

The Naik Dango Festival is not just a celebration of the Dayak tradition. It also boosts social cohesiveness and cultural tourism in West Kalimantan.

During the festival, Pontianak turns into a lively cultural center, where history and modern economic potential meet.

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