Nur Kemala Hayati Selected as Galuh Budaya South Kalimantan, Promotes Cultural Literacy Through “Aya Bakisah” Program
BANJARMASIN – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has once again achieved a proud achievement, with Nur Kemala Hayati, a student from the Faculty of Law, selected as Galuh Budaya South Kalimantan Province 2025 in the provincial-level Nanang Galuh Budaya event. This achievement affirms the contribution of ULM students to preserving regional culture and demonstrates the capacity of the younger generation to bring cultural values ​​to a wider public space.
As Delegate 1 for Banjarmasin City, Nur Kemala Hayati participated in a series of four-day selection stages, including a technical meeting, quarantine, and the grand finale held last December. During the process, participants were tested on their cultural knowledge, personality, critical thinking skills, and talent performance. In the “Exploring Banua” (traveling the land) session, participants were challenged to explain the cultural diversity of 13 regencies/cities in South Kalimantan. In the motion challenge, the woman, often called Aya, made it to the top four and won the argumentation challenge.
The next stage included an in-depth interview regarding Nanang Galuh’s dedication to South Kalimantan Culture’s vision, which is based on traditional, cultural, and religious values. This event also included a talent night featuring a Mamanda performance with Nanang Rafiqi. The entire series culminated in a smooth-running grand finale, where Banjarmasin City Delegation 1 secured a prestigious distinction and a ranking at the provincial level.
In an online interview on Friday (February 20, 2026), Aya explained that this achievement was her first experience in a cultural pageant. Without a family background in culture or pageantry, she faced the selection process with relatively short preparation, only about 14 days for the internal selection process from Banjarmasin City.
“This was a big challenge for me, because the competition was very tight with 13 regencies/cities sending their best talents. However, the support from my family, friends, and even lecturers, including the Dean of the Faculty of Law at ULM, gave me tremendous encouragement to move forward,” she said.
After being selected as the Galuh Budaya of South Kalimantan, Nur Kemala Hayati actively initiated various creative programs with Nanang and her fellow classmates, such as the Banjar Bernyanyi Bareng (Singing Together) program, which raised funds for flood victims in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Going forward, Nanang Galuh Budaya Kalsel Goes to School is designed to provide cultural education to the younger generation in schools.
A flagship program, personally initiated by her, is “Aya Bakisah (Banjar Now and History),” a digital content-based cultural literacy program packaged in an engaging and relevant way for Generation Z. Through social media, Nur Kemala Hayati introduces Banjar culture in a lighthearted and creative way, from the use of modern-style wastra (sabtra) or sasirangan fabrics to the philosophy behind traditional Galuh clothing attributes like the kambang goyang (traditional woven cloth) and traditional jewelry.
“I want young people to feel that culture is close, relevant, and not rigid. Through soft-selling and engaging content, they can first learn about, and then love, Banjar culture,” she said.
This achievement reflects Lambung Mangkurat University’s commitment to supporting the holistic development of students’ interests, talents, and potential, not only in academics but also in the realms of culture, leadership, and community service. ULM continues to provide space and appreciation for outstanding students, while also encouraging innovations that impact the preservation of regional identity.
Going forward, Lambung Mangkurat University is committed to strengthening the development, facilitation, and ecosystem of student achievement so that more young talents can bring honor to the region and the nation. Nur Kemala Hayati’s achievements are expected to inspire other ULM students to boldly contribute, innovate, and become adaptive cultural ambassadors in the digital era.
