M. Arya Ridhoni Wins the 2025 Nanang Galuh Tanah Laut Champion
Tanah Laut – The Nanang Galuh selection event in Tanah Laut Regency has once again produced a new cultural ambassador. In the selection, held by the Tanah Laut Regency Education and Culture Office, M. Arya Ridhoni, a Master’s student in Communication Studies at Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), won the title of Nanang Tanah Laut Champion 2025 on September 1, 2025.
This year’s Nanang Galuh selection took place from registration in May to August, with open and closed quarantines, along with a series of training sessions and briefings. For approximately two to three months, participants were provided with materials on culture, public speaking, dance training, and talent performances.
For Arya, the journey to this title was no easy one. He underwent intensive preparation for a full month, from dance practice and material preparation to talent performances. His biggest challenge was maintaining consistent attendance at every session, considering this was his first time participating in an event with extensive preparation.
Arya’s strong motivation for participating in this event stemmed from his previous experience. He had won the 2025 provincial-level Inter-Country Youth Exchange (PPAN) competition. Furthermore, Arya realized that this was his last chance to participate in the Nanang Galuh competition due to his age.
“When I was little, I participated in Nanang Galuh Cilik. So when this opportunity came up again, I thought why not give it a try? Especially since this is my last year,” he added.
What impressed Arya most about this event was the many new experiences he gained. One of them was dancing, something he had never done before.
“From this long process, I learned many new things. That was the most memorable thing for me,” he said.
With his selection as the 2025 Nanang Tanah Laut Champion, Arya will serve as a cultural ambassador for Tanah Laut Regency, specifically in introducing and preserving the region’s rich culture to the wider community.
