By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Sept 5: Borneo Tuak Festival 2024 is set to be held from Sept 14–16 at Tropics City in Tabuan Dayak.
Starting from 12pm until 10pm daily, Borneo Tuak Festival 2024 promises to feature the largest gathering of tuak brands and a vibrant marketplace where tradition meets innovation.
There will also be a Tuak Competition for various categories that honour the rich heritage of Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu tuak, as well as recognise the most innovative tuak.
Among others, there will be a Tuak Narratives panel discussion which will delve deep into the history, practices, and scientific aspects of tuak brewing, including cultural performances by Matthew Ngau Jau, together with Lun Bawang tapi’ player Rining Peter Paris, Iban Cultural Poet Lin Asit, award-winning Iban comedians, Bunyau and Mujap, and many others.
One of the key highlights this year will be The Tuak Manifesto, a policy dialogue in collaboration with the UNESCO Creative City Network Kuching, to explore the future of tuak on how to protect this heritage, and how to guide its responsible growth.
Meanwhile, speaking during a press conference held at Baitulmakmur Building 2 here today, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting, who is also Advisor of Borneo Tuak Fest 2024, said Sarawak can develop policies to protect and regulate ‘tuak’ production while empowering rural communities through The Borneo Tuak Festival.
According to him, Borneo Tuak Festival is at the forefront for the effort, providing a platform for local brewers to showcase their craft, create income opportunities, and strengthen the local economy.
“By supporting tuak as both a cultural and economic asset, we can ensure that this heritage not only survives but thrives in the modern world,” he said.
He added that providing a platform for tuak brewers to showcase their craft creates opportunities for entrepreneurship, income generation, and economic growth in some of the most remote parts of Sarawak.
Apart from that, he said the festival plays a role in the tourism industry in attracting visitors to this region.
“It is more than just an event—it is an experience, a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in local culture, to taste the spirit of Sarawak, and to connect with the stories that make everyone who they are.
“I have no doubt that this festival will draw in not only locals but also international tourists who seek to understand the soul of Borneo,” he said. — DayakDaily
