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| Don Bosco High School celebrated Dayak heritage, inspiring younger generations through culture, tradition, and a shared sense of identity. (Photo by the author.) |
SANGGAU, West Kalimantan — Don Bosco High School's 2026 Dayak Cultural Festival concluded on a high note after three vibrant days of cultural celebrations, showcasing traditional arts, language, music, dance, and cuisine. More than just a school event, the festival reaffirmed the importance of preserving Dayak heritage while preparing younger generations to embrace the future.
Students of Don Bosco High School, Sanggau, West Kalimantan, proudly showcased the richness of Dayak heritage during the 2026 Dayak Cultural Festival through traditional music, dance, Indigenous languages, and authentic cuisine. More than a cultural celebration, the festival reaffirmed that preserving ancestral traditions is essential to shaping a confident and culturally rooted next generation.
Held from June 10–12, 2026, the campus became a lively meeting place where students immersed themselves in the rich traditions of their ancestors through a wide range of meaningful cultural activities.
Carrying the theme "Ngulangkoh Ngan Budaya Koni Sowa Jowi" ("Walking with Culture Toward the Future"), the festival was designed not only to celebrate Dayak traditions but also to strengthen students' appreciation of their cultural identity in an increasingly modern world.
Cultural Ambassadors and Indigenous Language Storytelling Open the Festival
The celebration began on Wednesday, June 10, with the annual Abang Ayong Don Bosco High School Ambassador Selection, one of the school's longstanding traditions. Contestants were evaluated not only on their knowledge of Dayak culture but also on their leadership, character, and commitment to serving as cultural ambassadors for the younger generation.
The opening day also featured an Indigenous Language Storytelling Competition, where students captivated audiences with traditional stories rich in cultural values, folklore, and local wisdom. The event underscored the enduring importance of Indigenous languages as living expressions of identity and cultural heritage that deserve continued preservation.
Contemporary Dance and Dayak Music Take Center Stage
The second day brought even greater excitement with the Creative Dance Competition, where participants blended traditional Dayak movements with fresh, contemporary choreography. The performances demonstrated how cultural traditions can evolve without losing their authenticity.
A solo singing competition, divided into male and female categories, also drew enthusiastic audiences. Contestants performed songs representing various Dayak sub-ethnic groups across Kalimantan, highlighting the remarkable diversity of Dayak musical traditions. Beyond showcasing impressive vocal talent, the performances introduced regional artistic heritage to a broader audience.
Traditional Dayak Cuisine Headlines the Grand Finale
The festival reached its climax on Friday, June 12, with a series of traditional cooking competitions that became the centerpiece of the celebration. Students prepared iconic Dayak dishes, including lemang—glutinous rice cooked in bamboo over an open fire—and pansoh, a signature bamboo-cooked delicacy prepared using meat or fish seasoned with local herbs.
The aroma of freshly prepared traditional food filled the school grounds, creating a warm atmosphere of fellowship and community. The culinary competitions served as a reminder that traditional cuisine is an essential part of cultural identity and should continue to be passed down to future generations.
The closing ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Andreas Sisen, head of the Dayak Customary Council (Dewan Adat Dayak - DAD) of Kapuas District; Sanggau Regency Council members Dicky and Nados; and Kapuas District Head Darmikus Heri, whose presence reflected strong community support for cultural preservation initiatives.
Preserving Cultural Roots While Looking Ahead
Although intermittent rain accompanied parts of the three-day celebration, it did little to dampen the enthusiasm of students, teachers, organizers, and the entire Don Bosco High School community. Their energy and commitment remained unwavering until the festival concluded.
The 2026 Dayak Cultural Festival ended on a joyful note, reaffirming that schools are more than institutions of academic learning—they are also places where young people discover who they are, honor the legacy of their ancestors, and strengthen their commitment to safeguarding their cultural heritage amid rapid modernization.
Through this annual celebration, Don Bosco High School once again demonstrated that a brighter future does not require abandoning one's cultural roots. Instead, progress becomes stronger and more meaningful when it is firmly grounded in identity, tradition, and the enduring values of one's own heritage.
Written by Rasti
