Three master’s students from the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, namely Febri Anugerah, Isradina Paricha, and Ryssa Putri Nabila, participated in the assessment research for Festival Lestari #6. This research took place from April 30 to May 10, 2026, in West Kalimantan Province. The activities unfolded across three regencies: Sintang, Kapuas Hulu, and Sanggau, in collaboration with Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL) and Banyan Art and Heritage as research partners.
This research evaluates the impact of Festival Lestari as a collaborative space that fosters sustainable development rooted in local culture, the natural environment, and the community. Applying an interdisciplinary approach, the researchers visited the sites, conversed with local residents, and gathered new insights. This step aims to appreciate and comprehend the various impacts of the festival in each region.
The assessment focused on six primary aspects: waste management, local food, art and design, social impacts and accessibility, cultural heritage and local communities, as well as environmental care. These six aspects serve as vital indicators to understand the festival’s contribution to strengthening local identity, caring for the environment, and nurturing community well-being.
During the implementation, each student went to a different regency. Febri Anugerah worked in Sintang Regency, visiting several locations and communities participating in Festival Lestari. This included the area from Jentawang Hilir to Bukit Kelam, along with cultural spaces that form the festival’s ecosystem. Isradina Paricha carried out her role in Kapuas Hulu Regency by visiting Datah Diaan Village, the Sungai Utik area, Danau Sentarum National Park, alongside various local communities and local cultural practitioners. Meanwhile, Ryssa Putri Nabila conducted her research in Sanggau Regency, visiting Desa Adat Tae, the Sungai Sekayam area, and several sites hosting the festival’s cultural and community programs.
Beyond gathering insights from the field, the students engaged in meaningful dialogues with the regional government, local communities, cultural practitioners, local entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. These interactions provide a more holistic picture of the sustainable practices flourishing in each regency. Hopefully, this research will foster a deeper understanding of the festival’s role in encouraging collaborative development. The festival does more than host events; it cultivates long-lasting, positive relations with the community, culture, and the surrounding natural environment.
The activities that the UGM PSPSR students participated in aligned with various targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), The focus on local food by strengthening food systems rooted in the community and local natural wealth.
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Efforts to manage waste.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action), while environmental preservation.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land), while environmental preservation aligns.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), The appreciation for art and design, cultural heritage, and local communities supports by nurturing cultural identity and advancing community participation.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), The attention to social impacts and accessibility reflects by encouraging people from all walks of life to build an equitable and inclusive environment together. (IP)
