Ladja Hotel, Sintang, West Kalimantan : Proof That the Dayak Can Become Entrepreneurs
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| Ladja Hotel was established with several key objectives: to provide comfortable and affordable accommodations for members and the general public. Photo credit: Palus Miki. |
SINTANG - BORNEOTRAVEL: If you ever find yourself visiting Sintang, whether for business or simply to unwind, make Ladja Hotel your top choice for accommodation.
Why? In addition to its prime location, the hotel is situated near the central office of CU Keling Kumang, a longhouse-style building that exudes a natural ambiance. Inside the hotel, you'll experience the distinct Dayak atmosphere, with decor and ornaments rich in cultural heritage.
But that’s not all —Ladja Hotel also offers an authentic taste of Dayak cuisine, including pekasam (fermented meat and fish), pakis (wild fern), Dayak eggplant, tempoyak (fermented durian), and other traditional delicacies.
Your stay won’t just be comfortable —it will be a truly unforgettable cultural journey.
The idea behind Ladja Hotel
During a conversation with Paulus Miki, the Keling Kumang Tampun Juah Service Cooperative (KJKKTJ) this morning (March 6, 2025), the initial idea behind why the CU Keling Kumang Movement decided to branch out into the hotel business was revealed.
The idea behind Ladja Hotel stemmed from the fact that many members of Credit Union Keling Kumang (CUKK) had moved up economically. Their needs had expanded beyond savings and loan services to include other service industries, particularly in hospitality.
As a result, Ladja Hotel was established with several key objectives: to provide comfortable and affordable accommodations for members and the general public, to serve as a platform for members to develop businesses in the hospitality sector, to offer facilities for internal activities within the Gerakan CU Keling Kumang (Keling Kumang Movement Network), to enhance human resource capacity and competitiveness in the hospitality industry, and to preserve and promote local cultural identity through a hotel design that reflects indigenous wisdom. As a strategic starting point, Sintang was chosen due to its position as the center of East West Kalimantan.
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| The interior of Ladja Hotel rooms: clean, comfortable, and up to international standards. |
In terms of its business model, Ladja Hotel can be categorized as a cooperative-based or social enterprise hotel —one that is not solely profit-driven but also aims to improve the well-being of cooperative members by integrating community-based economic principles with professional hospitality standards. Currently, the hotel's occupancy rate fluctuates between 40% and 60%.
For years, the Dayak community has often been perceived as a traditional society deeply rooted in ancestral customs and agrarian life. However, time has proven that they possess the ability to adapt and thrive in various fields, including business and entrepreneurship.
Ladja Hotel is a prime example of how the Dayak people have successfully entered the hospitality industry with a high level of professionalism.
1. Trust and Capability
The Dayak people uphold strong values of trust and mutual cooperation. In business, trust is a key asset, and this has been demonstrated by the success of Credit Union Keling Kumang. The CU has provided financial access to its members, helping them climb the economic ladder. This success proves that the Dayak community is capable of managing businesses effectively when given the right opportunities and support.
2. From Cooperatives to the Hospitality Industry
The success of the CU has inspired expansion into other sectors, including hospitality. Ladja Hotel is a tangible manifestation of the Dayak entrepreneurial spirit. This hotel is more than just a place to stay—it is a testament to how an indigenous community can compete in the hospitality industry while maintaining high professional standards. Ladja Hotel operates as a cooperative-based or social enterprise hotel, balancing profit-making with cooperative member welfare and community development.
3. Opportunity and Determination
The key to Ladja Hotel’s success lies in the combination of opportunity and determination. With strong support and a willingness to learn, the Dayak people have proven they can become skilled entrepreneurs. Ladja Hotel symbolizes the economic transformation of the Dayak community, evolving from traditional economic activities to modern industry players.
4. Preserving Cultural Identity
Ladja Hotel’s uniqueness is not only in its business model but also in its design and concept, which emphasize local culture. The hotel blends traditional Dayak architectural elements with international hospitality standards, offering guests a distinctive and authentic experience. This demonstrates that modernization does not have to erase cultural roots; instead, it can become a strength in the tourism industry.
Here’s the room rate list for Ladja Hotel 🏨✨:
🛏️ Superior Single – Rp 350,000
🛏️🛏️ Superior Twin – Rp 370,000
🌟 Deluxe Single – Rp 470,000
🌟🛏️🛏️ Deluxe Twin – Rp 490,000
👨👩👦 Family Room (3 people) – Rp 650,000
👨👩👦👦 Family Room (4 people) – Rp 750,000
💎 Super Deluxe – Rp 799,000
Stay with us for comfort, culture, and a cozy experience! 🌿✨
Ladja Hotel is located on Oevaang Oeray Street, Sintang, West Kalimantan. It is professionally managed by Veridiana.
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| Paulus Miki (right) with Ladja Hotel manager, Veridiana. Photo credit: Paulus Miki. |
Ladja Hotel stands as undeniable proof that the Dayak people can succeed as entrepreneurs. With determination and a strong spirit, they have built and managed a competitive business. This achievement is not just a milestone but an inspiration for the younger generation of Dayak people to continue growing and taking their place in various industries.
-- Masri Sareb Putra
Borneo Travel
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