Gawia Sowa: Dayak Bidayuh Heritage and Cross-Border Festival in Kalimantan

TheIndonesia.co - Every early June, the small border town of Jagoi Babang in Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan, transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration with Gawia Sowa—a 185-year-old thanksgiving ritual of the Dayak Bidayuh people.

Held from June 1st to June 3rd, 2025, Gawia Sowa is a deeply rooted cultural event where the Dayak Bidayuh community gives thanks to God and ancestral spirits for a successful harvest, good health, and protection.

The event’s cultural significance and spiritual richness attract not only locals but also international tourists—particularly from neighbouring Malaysia, which shares ethnic and familial ties with the Dayak Bidayuh of Jagoi Babang.

According to Antara News Agency, during the festival’s peak on June 3, traditional performances and rituals take center stage:

• Ngilaga (ancestral blessing ritual)
• Sigal Sinoyan dance
• Traditional music using Silotuang instruments
• The Sigel Bilamax procession circling the traditional longhouse (pangah bipokat)
• Various cultural showcases by youth and local communities

According to Sebastianus Darwis, the Regent of Bengkayang, Gawia Sowa also plays a critical role in youth engagement and cultural preservation. He emphasized that modernization should not be seen as a threat, but as a tool to innovate and sustain traditions. The government continues to support such initiatives to empower youth, deter negative influences such as digital addiction and substance abuse, and foster pride in local heritage.

“Youth must be the torchbearers of culture. Through festivals like Gawia Sowa, we connect the past to the present,” he said.

The Bengkayang Office of Youth, Sports, and Tourism reported that 1,375 Malaysian visitors arrived between May 31th and June 1st, 2025, to attend the festival. This annual cultural event has consistently driven cross-border tourism and strengthened people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Heru Pujiono, Head of the Education and Culture Office, noted that this festival not only boosts the local economy but also acts as a cultural bridge between the two nations, thanks to shared ethnic roots and long-standing familial ties.

“Every Gawia, families from Sarawak visit Jagoi Babang, and vice versa. It’s not just tradition—it’s kinship,” he added.

Travel Tips: Visiting Jagoi Babang and Nearby Attractions

Jagoi Babang is located near the Indonesian–Malaysian border in West Kalimantan. It can be reached via a 4-hour drive from Pontianak, the provincial capital, or about 2 hours from Bengkayang city.

While visiting for Gawia Sowa, tourists can also explore these destinations:

• Traditional Bidayuh Longhouse (Pangah Bipokat): Main venue for rituals and open for cultural tours
• Bukit Jamur (Mushroom Hill): A scenic hiking spot with unique rock formations
• Riam Merasap & Riam Pangar Waterfalls: Perfect for nature lovers and photographers
• Jagoi Border Market: A lively market with local crafts, Dayak textiles, and herbal goods

Gawia Sowa offers a rare cultural immersion for travelers seeking authentic experiences in Kalimantan’s highlands. More than a festival, it is a living bridge between tradition and transformation—where community, culture, and celebration converge at the edge of the border.