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| Naik Dango Pontianak 2025: A Colorful Dayak Cultural Celebration and a New Tourism Magnet. |
Pontianak – After nearly a week of vibrant celebrations, the Naik Dango II Festival, organized by the Dayak Customary Council (DAD) of Pontianak, officially concluded on Wednesday night, April 30, 2025. This cultural event successfully attracted thousands of spectators from both the city and surrounding areas like Kubu Raya and Mempawah.
The closing ceremony was filled with excitement and emotion, marked by a fireworks display, a joint prayer, and performances by Dayak artists. This moment was a perfect ending to the event, which had started on April 25.
High Enthusiasm and Praise from the Government
Rizal Almutahar, Head of the Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office (Disporapar) of Pontianak, expressed his appreciation for the success of the festival. According to him, Naik Dango II is not just a typical cultural celebration but also a testament to how diversity can be celebrated on a single cultural stage.
“Kudos to DAD Pontianak and the entire committee. The public’s enthusiasm has been incredible. This is not just a Dayak tradition; it has become something we all share and can be a tourism highlight,” Rizal said during the closing ceremony, representing the Mayor.
He added that Disporapar is ready to support making this event an annual fixture in the tourism calendar and help it grow to attract international visitors.
More Than Just a Festival, It's a Form of Gratitude and Cultural Identity
Yohanes Nenes, Chairman of DAD Pontianak, emphasized that Naik Dango holds deep meaning for the Dayak people. It’s not just a celebration but also an expression of gratitude to God and Jubata for the harvest and blessings in life.
“Naik Dango reminds us all that life should be lived with cooperation, respect for nature, and keeping our cultural roots intact in the face of modernization. We can move forward, but we must not lose our identity,” Yohanes passionately stated.
He also hopes the event continues to receive support from the government and tourism stakeholders to uplift local potential, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the creative economy.
A Stage for Cultural Expression and Unity
Vinsensius Lintas, Chairman of the Naik Dango II Committee, also expressed gratitude. He noted that over the six-day festival, this event had become a platform for cultural expression and unity among the different Dayak sub-ethnic groups.
“Thank God, everything went smoothly. From the traditional ceremony to the cultural competitions and entertainment night, everything was full of energy and participation. We thank everyone who supported, including the police, military, volunteers, sponsors, and the people of Pontianak,” Vinsensius said.
He also extended his appreciation to the media for helping spread the word about Naik Dango, reaching a wide audience, including international viewers.
Local Culture as a Global Asset
Naik Dango II has once again proven that culture is not just a legacy of the past but also a valuable asset for the future. The spirit of unity and love for local traditions has been the driving force behind the success of this event.
With a festive and meaningful closing, Pontianak now has a cultural stage that not only shines locally but also has the potential to gain global recognition.
See you at Naik Dango 2026! Get ready for another amazing celebration!
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