Iraw Tengkayu

Iraw Tengkayu is a traditional ritual from the Tidung people in Tarakan, derived from the Tidung language. The term Iraw means celebration or festival, while "Tengkayu" refers to the salty waters or coastal areas. The ritual is closely tied to the sea, hence the name Iraw Tengkayu. It is a cultural heritage that has been revived as a cultural attraction. In simple terms, it can be referred to as a "sea festival".

The Iraw Tengkayu ritual involves the Tidung community sailing the "Padaw Tuju Dulung" (seven-headed boat) into the sea, carrying offerings as a sign of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the blessings of the sea's abundance. The seven heads of the boat symbolize the seven days of the week, a cycle that Tidung fishermen must follow in their quest for livelihood. The boat's colors—red at the lowest head, green at the middle, and yellow at the highest—symbolize the one supreme God."