ERAU Festival in Tenggarong 2018, Kalimantan Timur

Visiting the ERAU festival in Tenggarong, Kalimantan Timur

I’d heard of a UNESCO endorsed festival coming up, in the eastern parts of Kalimantan and was on my way there to find out what it was about. Little information was available online, but I had been able to gather it was a week-long festival featuring folk costumes, music, and dances. A true cultural festival and a big one at it, if rumours were to be believed.

I had noticed through advertising on my flight to Kalimantan that Tenggarong was trying to establish itself as a tourist destination. Having arrived town, it was possible to see how. Although, they appeared to be targeting a domestic audience. A western traveler would probably have found the whole place a little underwhelming. I wasn’t there to be overwhelmed by grandiosity however, I was simply there to attend their festival and get a glimpse into the culture this festival could offer.

During the performances, it was possible to gain an insight into the differing group’s culture. Particularly of interest to me, was how the Western performances compared to the Indonesian ones. A few European groups had ventured all the way to Tenggarong in an attempt to display their culture to the local audience. Even for an individual as uninformed in these matters, the contrasts between the two worlds were noticeable the. While I’m not one to elaborate on the differences, it seemed clear that these worlds were eons apart. Fascinating to say the least.

As a paled skinned man in these parts, I was sure to draw a lot of attention. Undeservedly, it elevates my status in this society. I’m suddenly an elite member, and, as I’ve come to learn, that brings about certain additional privileges. Elite in this society happen to be those having positions in the government. Or, own a coal mine. During the entirety of the festival, members of the government were given priority seating and had an excellent vantage point on the festivities. The plebs however, were asked to sit elsewhere. Preferably far away. It was interesting to observe how blatant this separation between government and ordinary people was. I was at times appalled due my beliefs in equality. The pale skin gave similar advantages and when asked to join the VIP arena, I wasn’t about to say no. Quite selfish, I know, but what can I do? To change this phenomena? Besides, I wanted to shoot some pictures.

Tenggarong, along with Balikapan, was one of the prettier places I visited in Kalimantan. It was noticeable how they’ve been trying to carve out their own place in the world of tourism. It was impressive how the community had been working together to arrange a free festival for everybody to join, or, as one of their slogans read; “creating something out of nothing”. Indeed they had created something out of nothing. Just next year, I hope they make this place a little more accessible through more information in the English language.