Balikpapan, September 13, 2025 – A series of celebrations for the 11th Dies Natalis of the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) began with the lively ITK Art Fest, a festival that featured various competitions, including the Traditional Dance Competition titled "Echoes of Kalimantan." The event carried the theme "Dance as a Lasting Echo of Kalimantan Culture" and was held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Food Center Grand City, Balikpapan.

Although rain fell and caused a delay from the scheduled time, the participants' spirit did not fade. The competition was officially opened by the Chairman of the 11th ITK Dies Natalis, Mr. Adi Mahmud Jaya Marindra, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., who also serves as the Dean of FSTI. A total of nine dance groups from Balikpapan and surrounding areas participated in the competition, including Tinggang Batuah, Ruai Etnic Dance, Sanggar MAN Candramaya, Balai Tinggang, Sandriana Abel, Bawi Batuah, Lamiang Borneo, Ronggeng Bawe Regok, and Koseju Art. They showcased their best traditional dances in front of a judging panel consisting of Belinda Astriddana, M.Sn., Andin Destian, and Diniar Mungil Kurniawati, S.T., M.T. After a strict evaluation, three winners were chosen.

Bawi Batuah won 1st Place, Koseju Art came in second, and Ruai Etnic Dance was awarded 3rd Place. The winners were announced together with the winners of the Modern Dance Competition, marking the end of a successful and memorable session, despite the initial weather delay. It is hoped that this event will not only be a competition but also a platform for the community to continue creating and preserving local culture, and that it can become an annual agenda for the ITK Dies Natalis celebration.