PALMOILMAGAZINE, PUTUSSIBAU — The Hulu Indonesia Festival (HIFEST) returned for its fourth edition in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, once again transforming the region into a vibrant collective space that celebrates art, culture, and humanity’s deep connection with nature.
Organized by the Putussibau Art Community (PAC) in collaboration with various local groups, HIFEST 2025 carries the theme “About the Land, About Us.” The festival conveys a powerful message—an invitation to protect, care for, and celebrate the rich cultural and natural heritage of Kapuas Hulu.
Officially opened at the PAC Secretariat on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the event was inaugurated by Acting Assistant III for Administration and General Affairs of the Kapuas Hulu Regional Secretariat, Nazaruddin.
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“I give my highest appreciation to the Putussibau Art Community for initiating this movement. They have successfully encouraged the youth of Kapuas Hulu to stand at the forefront of environmental stewardship and cultural pride,” said Nazaruddin in his opening remarks, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Monday (October 13, 2025).
This year’s HIFEST introduced new dimensions by blending traditional and modern art, promoting local food heritage, and hosting creative workshops featuring prominent speakers. Beyond local participation, the festival also welcomed youth communities from Sintang and Sanggau Regencies, fostering broader inter-regional collaboration.
The festival began with the Bedarak procession, a sacred ritual of the Dayak Iban community, performed to seek blessings and ensure the smooth running of the celebration. The ritual was led by Robertus Tutong, a cultural and environmental activist who also serves as the head of Ngaung Keruh Hamlet.
HIFEST 2025 was divided into four core segments, each representing the richness and spirit of the upstream region (hulu):
- Bicara Hulu – interactive talk shows and discussions,
- Rasa Hulu – preservation and appreciation of local cuisine,
- Loka Hulu – creative workshops and knowledge-sharing,
- Suara Hulu – art and traditional performances.
Over two vibrant days, from September 27–28, 2025, Kapuas Hulu came alive with the sounds of traditional music, the spirit of cooperation, and the aroma of local culinary delights.
“Through HIFEST 2025, we want to remind everyone that land is not just where we stand—it is a source of life and identity that we must preserve together,” said Agustinus Surya Indrawan (Aday), initiator of PAC and coordinator of HIFEST 2025.
With its spirit of collaboration across communities and generations, HIFEST has evolved beyond an art and cultural festival—it has become a movement of identity awareness and environmental consciousness deeply rooted in Kapuas Hulu, the upstream land that continues to inspire. (P2)
