The Center for Tourism Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Puspar UGM), in collaboration with cultural stakeholders in Barito Timur, Central Kalimantan, has developed the Key Framework for Regional Cultural Advancement (PPKD).
As the initial stage of this effort, Puspar UGM presented its concept to cultural representatives in Barito Timur, attended by ten Damang representatives from ten districts: Pematang Karau, Dusun Tengah, Paku, Karusen Janang, Paju Epat, Dusun Timur, Benua Lima, Awang, Raren Batuah, and Patangkep Tutui.
The event also involved local cultural figures, the Barito Timur chapter of the Indonesian Cultural Arts Committee, the Dayak Youth Forum, the Dayak Customary Council, KNPI, Karang Taruna, Gerdayak, and Batamad Bartim.
UGM anthropologist Professor Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, head of the formulation team and senior expert at Puspar UGM, explained that Article 8 of Law No. 5 of 2017 on the Advancement of Culture (UUPK) outlines four main sources: the key frameworks for cultural advancement at the regency/city and provincial levels, the national cultural strategy, and the master plan for cultural advancement.
He emphasized that the PPKD serves as the main instrument to protect, develop, utilize, and foster cultural advancement objects (Objek Pemajuan Kebudayaan or OPK), which consist of eleven categories: oral traditions, manuscripts, customs, rituals, traditional knowledge, traditional technology, arts, languages, folk games, traditional sports, and cultural heritage.
“Based on this, it is crucial for the Barito Timur Regency Government to prepare a PPKD document as a foundation and guideline for regional cultural development, as well as a database for drafting the Regional Master Plan for Cultural Advancement in the future,” said Professor Ahimsa-Putra on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a member of the formulation team, stated that the PPKD plays a vital role in encouraging community participation in preserving culture, while also serving as an educational medium for the younger generation to remain rooted in their cultural identity.
Therefore, this study must carefully consider the quality of human resources and institutions, including the various challenges that have been identified during the process.
“We are also examining the extent of support from both the government and private sectors for cultural advancement efforts, as such support is essential for the development, utilization, and preservation of each OPK,” he added.
Ari Panan Putut Lelu, Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare Affairs at the Barito Timur Regional Secretariat, emphasized the importance of conducting the PPKD study in accordance with the mandate of Law No. 5 of 2017 (UUPK).
He noted that Barito Timur Regency is currently working to optimize the preservation and utilization of its cultural resources.
“Barito Timur holds a wealth of OPKs, and the local government has the responsibility to protect, develop, utilize, and nurture these cultural assets while upholding local wisdom values,” he said at the Barito Timur Regent’s Office on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.
It is known that four ethnic groups, the Dayak Ma’anyan, Dayak Lawangan, Dayak Bakumpai, and Dayak Paku, inhabit Barito Timur.
These groups play an essential role in shaping the regency’s identity, known by its motto Gumi Jari Janang Kalalawah, meaning “To Prosper Forever.”
The preparation of this study aligns with the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Regulation No. 6 of 2023, which amends Regulation No. 45 of 2018 on Guidelines for Drafting PPKD.
The Barito Timur PPKD will include five key components: the factual condition of OPK development, identification of cultural human resources, cultural institutions and structures, identification of cultural facilities and infrastructure, and identification of potential and challenges in cultural preservation and advancement.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Kompas and Puspar UGM