InfoSAWIT, PUTUSSIBAU – The Hulu Indonesia Festival (HIFEST) returned for its fourth edition in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan. The festival, initiated by the Putussibau Art Community (PAC) along with several local communities, serves as a collective space for people to celebrate cultural diversity, art, and strengthen the relationship between humans and nature.

Carrying the theme "About the Land, About Us," HIFEST 2025 conveyed a deep message: an invitation to protect, nurture, and celebrate the cultural, natural, and customary wealth of Kapuas Hulu. The festival was officially opened at the PAC secretariat on Saturday, September 27, 2025, by the Acting Assistant III for Administration and General Affairs of the Kapuas Hulu Regional Secretariat, Nazaruddin.

This year, HIFEST was different. For the first time, the festival combined modern and traditional arts, introduced local food, and held creative workshops with competent speakers. The festival also engaged youth communities from Sintang and Sanggau Regencies, broadening the scope of inter-regional collaboration.

The festival opened with the Bedarak procession, a traditional Dayak Iban ritual performed to pray for safety and the smooth running of a celebration. HIFEST 2025 was divided into four main segments: Bicara Hulu (interactive talk show); Rasa Hulu (local food preservation); Loka Hulu (creative workshops); and Suara Hulu (art and customary performances).

"Through HIFEST 2025, we want to remind everyone that the land is not just a foothold, but a source of life and identity that must be protected together," said Agustinus Surya Indrawan, or Aday, the PAC initiator and HIFEST 2025 coordinator. (T2)