PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—The West Kalimantan S4 Sundanese Association (Paguyuban Sunda S4 Kalbar) marked its 67th anniversary in Pontianak on Saturday, September 26. The event combined a celebration of Sundanese culture with cross-ethnic engagement. In addition, there was assistance for communities affected by forest and land fires (karhutla).

The milangkala [anniversary] took place at the West Kalimantan governor’s official residence on Ahmad Yani Street. Organizers said the gathering brought together S4 members, ethnic-community leaders and representatives from the province’s 14 regencies and cities.

S4 stands for Simpay Seuweu Siwi Siliwangi, a Sundanese name associated with solidarity among the descendants and followers of Siliwangi’s cultural heritage.

Local government records also identify organizations using the full name in several West Kalimantan districts, including Bengkayang.

Anniversary committee chairman Tedi Rukmantara said the event sought to strengthen cooperation among the province’s diverse communities.

“The governor invited the leaders of associations representing every ethnic group, and, thank God, they all came together. The aim is to strengthen fraternity among ethnic communities,” Tedi said.

The gathering also provided an emotional homecoming for Sundanese residents who have lived far from West Java for years.

Yana, a 50-year-old resident of a transmigration settlement in Melano, Kayong Utara Regency, said he travelled for about 15 hours by klotok. A klotok is a traditional wooden motorboat. He made this long journey to attend the celebration.

“I have lived in the general transmigration settlement in the Melano area of North Kayong since 2013,” Yana said.

“Thank God, today I met so many brothers and sisters. It feels like being back in my hometown,” he added.

Aan, a retired infantry soldier who has lived in Mempawah for decades, expressed a similar feeling. He said his children and grandchildren had continued his family’s service in the military.

“This is extraordinary. I can meet so many fellow Sundanese people,” Aan said.

Paguyuban Sunda S4 Kalbar chairman Dede Suratman said this year’s celebration included a social program developed with telecommunications company Telkom.

Organizers planned to distribute food, drinking water and supplies for public kitchens to communities affected by forest and land fires in Ketapang, Kayong Utara and Kubu Raya.

“This year is slightly different from previous years because we are also collaborating with Telkom to provide assistance to people affected by forest and land fires,” Dede said.

The three targeted regencies have formed part of West Kalimantan’s coordinated wildfire response. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported in early September that authorities were conducting fire-control operations in those areas and several other districts. They managed these operations through ground patrols, aerial monitoring and water bombing.

Acting provincial secretary Hendra, representing Governor Ria Norsan, said cultural identity should encourage mutual respect instead of creating social boundaries. The provincial government formally installed Hendra in the acting position on September 18.

“People should remain proud of their identity and culture while respecting local wisdom and actively contributing to harmonious life in West Kalimantan,” Hendra said.

He also urged residents to avoid activities that could start fires and to remain alert during dry conditions.

The anniversary, he said, showed how cultural organizations can preserve their heritage while contributing directly to disaster relief. They also help support social cohesion.