Solidaridad Promotes Sustainable Agriculture and Oil Palm Farmer Empowerment at Keling Kumang Festival 2026

Sekadau kartininews.com – Solidaridad has once again reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and the empowerment of independent oil palm farmers through its participation in the 4th Keling Kumang Festival (KKF) and the 3rd Iban Summit 2026. The event took place from 14–16 May 2026 at the Kelampiau Park Complex, Tapang Sambas Hamlet, Tapang Semadak Village, Sekadau Hilir Subdistrict, Sekadau Regency. It served as a gathering place for Iban indigenous communities from West Kalimantan and Sarawak, Malaysia.

At this annual event, Solidaridad brought its mission of environmental conservation and the strengthening of environmentally friendly agricultural practices based on local socio-cultural values. The organization has long been actively working with Dayak communities that strongly uphold the principle of preserving nature as part of their cultural heritage and indigenous identity.

Through its participation in KKF IV and Iban Summit III, Solidaridad presented a miniature exhibition on regenerative agriculture-based land management (Regenagri). The organization also introduced sustainable oil palm plantation management practices to festival visitors.

In addition to educational displays on sustainable palm oil, Solidaridad provided information on forest governance through the Social Forestry (Perhutanan Sosial/PS) scheme. This program is designed to deliver economic benefits to communities living around forest areas without neglecting ecosystem sustainability and the cultural values that have developed within society.

Solidaridad also used the festival momentum to introduce various mentoring programs for local independent oil palm farmers. These programs are expected to help farmers increase their capacity and implement more sustainable agricultural practices in the field.

Beyond educational activities, Solidaridad provided guidance to the Keling Kumang Credit Union (CU) in supporting independent oil palm farmers. This collaboration aims to ensure that environmentally friendly agricultural practices go hand in hand with strengthening farmers’ capacities and improving community welfare.

Solidaridad Indonesia Country Manager, Yeni Fitriyanti, emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between economic development, socio-cultural aspects, and environmental preservation.

“We hope that more parties will care about nature conservation — not only focusing on pursuing economic gains, but also preserving socio-cultural values and implementing sustainable agricultural and plantation practices,” said Yeni Fitriyanti.

Solidaridad’s efforts align with the vision of the Keling Kumang Credit Union (CUKK), the festival’s main organizer. CUKK consistently holds the Keling Kumang Festival every year as an effort to preserve the customs, arts, culture, and cuisine of the Dayak people so they remain known to the younger generation amid changing times.

As a financial institution focused on community empowerment, CU Keling Kumang also provides savings and loan services as well as micro-business credit, which help improve members’ economies — including independent oil palm farmers. These services are considered capable of strengthening household economies in rural areas.

Beyond finance, CU Keling Kumang actively runs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, including high school scholarships, support for MSMEs, and various other social activities.

On the other hand, the 4th Keling Kumang Festival and 3rd Iban Summit also served as a platform to showcase the cultural identity of the Dayak Iban people. The festival revived the history of indigenous civilization centered in Tampun Juah and Panjae in Tembawai, an important part of Iban heritage.

The ethnoecological wisdom of the Dayak people was also highlighted through the use of local plants for traditional weaving crafts. Additionally, the festival emphasized the role of Dayak Iban women in preserving traditions, particularly through the Pua Kumbu ikat weaving, which serves as both a cultural symbol and a link connecting traditions between West Kalimantan and Sarawak, Malaysia.