Governor Agustiar Sabran Turns Open House into a Symbol of Dayak Community Harmony

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran held the Idulfitri 1447 Hijriah Open House at Istana Isen Mulang, Palangka Raya, on Saturday (21/3/2026). The event was attended by hundreds of residents from various backgrounds with great enthusiasm, marking a moment to strengthen ties following the official Idulfitri holiday set by the government on 21 March 2026. In his speech, Governor Agustiar stated that the event aimed to foster brotherhood, strengthen social bonds, and reaffirm collective commitment to building a better life. He provided a variety of traditional Lebaran dishes that could be enjoyed equally by all guests, whether officials or ordinary citizens, without discrimination based on background. Deputy Chairman of the Dayak Indigenous Community Defence Front (Batamad) in Central Kalimantan, Ingkit Djaper, appreciated the initiative as a demonstration of the leader’s openness and a means for mutual forgiveness. According to him, the presence of people from across various groups reflects the high level of tolerance and interfaith harmony in the province, which continues to show positive improvement. In agreement, Chairman of Pemuda Pancasila in Palangka Raya, Bush Valentino Lambung, viewed the Open House as affirming the principle of equality. The dishes served, both indoors and in the courtyard, could be enjoyed by everyone without distinction, thus symbolising that what officials enjoy is also accessible to the wider public. Bush added that such activities provide an example for officials to remain close to the people. “No leader is perfect, but this kind of openness proves the Governor’s desire to always be present among the community,” he said. On the other hand, the celebration of Idulfitri 1447 Hijriah was also felt by the Indonesian diaspora in Norway. They relieved their longing for the atmosphere of Lebaran back home through Idulfitri prayers and halalbihalal activities organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Oslo, in collaboration with the Ukhuwah Muslim i Norge (UMINor) organisation. The event was held at the Skui Grendhus community hall, about 30 minutes’ drive west of Oslo, with a participant quota limited to 300 people. One diaspora member, Hakam Adi, who is pursuing education with his wife in the Nordic country, expressed his joy at being able to experience the Indonesian Lebaran atmosphere again.