By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 24: The Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) hosted its inaugural Gawai Media Night 2025 at the Grand Riverine Ballroom last night (June 23), bringing together over 100 media practitioners from various agencies to celebrate Gawai Dayak and recognise the vital role of the media in society.
The event was officiated by Minister in the Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Sri Melia Gelen.
Also in attendance were Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine), Dato Henry Harry Jinep; Cr Halix Kuyong, representing Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin; KDJA president Ronnie Teo and vice president 1 Zulazhar Sheblee.
In his address, John Sikie stressed that the media is not just a tool for reporting but a strategic partner in national development—particularly in amplifying the voices of rural communities and preserving Sarawak’s diverse cultural heritage.
He urged media practitioners to help keep indigenous identity and language alive by highlighting Dayak stories, traditions, and customs—especially to younger generations in the age of digital media.
“I call on all media practitioners to continue uplifting the stories and voices of the Dayak community—its customs, history, language, and way of life.
“These cultural treasures must be shared widely, especially with the younger generation, so they do not vanish in the digital era,” he said.
John Sikie also praised RTM’s wai.fm Iban segment “Seleka Jaku Saritu” as a good example of linguistic preservation and encouraged other media outlets to adopt similar efforts by including ethnic language words and their meanings in daily or digital publications.
Meanwhile, KDJA Gawai Media Night organising chairperson Indun Silong said the event was the result of a fresh initiative by KDJA’s newly appointed committee during their first meeting in April, aimed at honouring the media fraternity while sharing the cultural significance of Gawai Dayak.
“This is the first time KDJA is organising a Gawai-themed media night to pay tribute to our fellow media friends in Kuching, while also celebrating one of Sarawak’s most cherished cultural festivals,” she said.
The evening featured vibrant cultural performances by Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Melanau dance troupes, alongside traditional rituals such as Nyeradak Ai Pengayu, Ngetas Ranyai, and Ngiling Tikai, offering guests an immersive ‘begawai’ experience.
The highlight of the night was the Ngepan Pemadu Manah traditional attire competition, which crowned Steward Dawi of TVS and Jessica Jawing of Utusan Borneo as the best dressed male and female participants respectively.
– DayakDaily
