Cultural Carnival Begins
A cultural carnival brought traditional dress, dance and music to Nusantara, in East Kalimantan on Saturday, as Indonesia prepared to celebrate 81 years of independence.
Footage shows participants parading in colourful traditional costumes, including Dayak attire, while dancers and musicians perform before crowds gathered to mark the historic occasion.
“Going forward, we hope this event can be even more open to the general public and can invite other regions to IKN for this celebration. We want Paser culture, especially from this local region, to develop further and become more widely known,” parade participant Rosidah said.
Heritage Takes Spotlight
The carnival featured 30 groups from communities across East Kalimantan, according to Indonesia’s ANTARA news agency. Performers presented traditional clothing representing different ethnic groups from across the country, alongside cultural displays including Reog Ponorogo.
“I think it was quite entertaining. We would like to express our gratitude because the local community here in East Kalimantan really enjoyed the event, and we are also happy that the people of East Kalimantan were actively involved,” spectator James Manik said.
Nusantara Independence Events
The event formed part of celebrations ahead of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day on August 17, 2026. The government has chosen “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil, dan Makmur”, or “Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia”, as this year’s national theme.
The Nusantara Capital Authority said it was also preparing a programme of Independence Day events in the planned new capital.
Nusantara is being developed in East Kalimantan as Indonesia’s future national capital. Jakarta, however, remains the country’s legal capital pending a presidential decree formally transferring that status.
Article by Viory
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