By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 30: The Sarawak government has approved the establishment of Dataran Bujang Berani and a Dayak Heritage Centre in Kapit to honour the bravery, sacrifice and contributions of the Dayak people to nation-building, security and peace.
Minister of Works Malaysia and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi emphasised that the Dataran Bujang Berani, which is proposed to be located near Fort Sylvia, will serve as an iconic landmark and lasting symbol of the Dayak community’s historical role, particularly in safeguarding the country during times of conflict such as the Malayan Emergency.
“This is a meaningful initiative, a symbol of the contribution of the Dayak people to our nation. Before Malaysia was even formed, Dayaks were already fighting for the safety of Malaya as trekkers, Sarawak Rangers, and Malaysian Rangers—a legacy that continues today,” he said during the launching of the book Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacemaking (1924–2024) at the Dayak Cultural Foundation here today.
Nanta emphasised that the square would represent not just the Iban but also other Dayak sub-ethnic groups including the Kayan, Kenyah and others from Kapit, Belaga, Murum, and throughout the Upper Rajang region, who have served in national security forces across generations.
“This iconic site will mark Kapit as a part of the interior where Dayaks, regardless of background, played a vital role in the development and security of Malaysia. It is important that we build a Dataran Bujang Berani (Warriors’ Square) to give meaning to the place where we all originate,” he added.
Although the cost of the project has yet to be finalised, Nanta stressed that the symbolic value of commemorating the Dayak warrior spirit and unity far outweighs monetary concerns.
In addition to the square, the Dayak Heritage Centre has also been approved in principle with funding support already allocated. The centre is envisioned as a hub to preserve and showcase Dayak culture, traditions, and history.
According to Nanta, the initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, and the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA).
The book launch marked the beginning of a year-long commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Kapit Peacemaking Agreement of 1924, a historic event that ended inter-tribal conflicts among the Dayak people and laid the foundation for unity and development in the region.
Deputy Minister for Native Law and Customs Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, managing trustee of Dayak Cultural Foundation and advisor of the Organising Committee of the 100th Anniversary of Kapit Peacemaking Agreement 1924 Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah, and book editor Dr Regina Garai were present. — DayakDaily
