Celebrating Tradition and Progress at the 10th Irau Malinau

The 10th Irau Malinau, the Cultural Festival of Malinau Regency in North Kalimantan, successfully united diverse community elements on a large scale, taking place from October 7 to 26 this year after its postponement due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Jointly held with the celebration of the 24th anniversary of Malinau Regency on October 26, 2023, this biennial event was attended by various sub-tribes of Dayak, Bulungan ethnic groups, and Tidung ethnic groups in Malinau Regency. It also saw participation from regional government organisations, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), regional-owned enterprises (BUMD), indigenous institutions, women's organisations, and various communities, including Javanese, Bugis, Makassar, Toraja, Batak, Sundanese, Minahasa, Southeast Sulawesi, Bali, and East Nusa Tenggara. 

In addition to showcasing traditional ceremonial processions, traditional dance performances, and competitive and traditional sports events, Irau Malinau was organised to present the developments and achievements of the government and private sector contributing to the development in Malinau Regency through exhibition booths.

PT Kayan Hydropower Nusantara (KHN), as the developer of the Mentarang Induk Hydroelectric Project (MIHEP) in Malinau Regency, participated in a booth exhibition, providing information about MIHEP. As a form of information transparency to local communities, KHN showcased a 3D model, documented the journey of constructing MIHEP, highlighted project progress, and shared about KHN's Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility (CESR) program named "KHN Lestari." The aim was to foster understanding of the project's sustainability and its widespread benefits among the communities. 

The enthusiasm for the construction of MIHEP in Malinau by KHN was well-received by the local community, marked by approximately 200 visitors to the KHN booth each day. Throughout the Irau Malinau event, the KHN booth attracted more than 4,000 visitors. 

The significant number of participants in the cultural festival themed "Diversity Unites the Nation in Bumi Intimung" made the 10th Irau Malinau a historical achievement recognized by the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI). This MURI record falls under the category of the largest number of Saung/Kedabang (Traditional Dayak woven hats) users in the world, with a documented count of no less than 20,893 participants wearing Saung/Kedabang. 

Sources: 
- https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3768012/kabupaten-malinau-kembali-selenggarakan-pesta-budaya-irau
- https://www.malinau.go.id/post/irau-ke--10-malinau-berhasil-pecahkan-rekor-muri-dunia/2561