3,550 Kayan River Oars, 2025 Bulungan Festival Becomes A New Tourism And Economy Magnet

TANJUNG SELOR Deru genderang and shouts of enthusiasm to divide the surface of the Kayan River, when 3,550 rowers from all over Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan (Kaltara) pedaled their boats at the 2025 Kayan River Festival.

The event, which was officially opened by the Regent of Bulungan Syarwani together with the Deputy Regent of Lightning, became a moment of pride for the people of Tanjung Selor.

Thousands of participants from 10 sub-districts ignited the spirit of sportsmanship and culture in the annual event which is now being predicted to be an icon of North Kalimantan water tourism.

The festival which took place on October 6' 8 is part of the celebration of the 235th Anniversary of Tanjung Selor City and the 65th Anniversary of Bulungan Regency. Not only competitions, this activity is referred to as a form of preserving marine traditions and local wisdom for the people of the Kayan River.

This traditional rowing boat is a legacy from our ancestors. In the past, the Kayan River became the lifeblood and economy of the Bulungan people," said Regent Syarwani, Monday, October 6.

He revealed that this activity is more than just a water sports event, the Kayan River Festival is also a driving force for the regional economy.

During the three days of implementation, local MSMEs are expected to experience a significant turnover spike, along with the dense number of visitors and participants.

This activity provides a multiplier effect for the community. We hope that in the future the Kayan River Festival can enter the Calendar of Events of the Ministry of Tourism and become a national leading tourist destination," he said optimisticly.

This festival presents 130 traditional boats with the distribution of six categories Class 20 Putra (48 boats), Class 20 Putri (25 boats), Class 30 Putra (28 boats), Class 30 Putri (10 boats), Class 50 Putra (12 boats) and Class 50 Putri (7 boats).

In addition, the atmosphere on the banks of the Kayan River also looks lively with cheers from the audience, traditional music accompaniment, and the tantalizing culinary aroma of Bulungan.

The Regent hopes that in the future, this event will not only become a local pride, but also be able to attract participants from the Kalimantan region and even abroad.

"This festival is proof that the spirit of gotong royong and the maritime culture of the Bulungan people continues to live in the modern era," he said.