By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 1: Borderland Music Festival is targeting 21,000 visitors for its fourth edition, which returns to the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) on Sept 11 and 12, promising its biggest production yet alongside the introduction of traditional cultural workshops for the first time.
The festival, which has grown into Borneo’s largest electronic dance music (EDM) event since its debut in 2023 will feature a strengthened international lineup led by global superstars KSHMR, Ben Nicky and Blasterjaxx, alongside acts such as Arcando, Indonesia’s DNA, Juelz and RAMENGVRL featuring Indahkus, Dia and Kenz, as well as more than 40 regional artistes.
Speaking at a press conference today, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak continues to support the growth of music festivals but emphasised the importance of proper coordination and safety measures.
“Sarawak is becoming known globally as a State that hosts many music festivals. We have to coordinate and organise them properly to ensure everything runs smoothly and no untoward incidents occur. My ministry has already worked out the logistical details with immigration, police, customs and the local municipal councils,” he said.
“West Malaysia manages it differently, Singapore manages it differently and we also want to manage it differently. We will not stop it unless it has gone overboard,” he added.
Since its inception, the festival has attracted more than 33,000 visitors over three editions and generated an estimated RM10 million in economic impact, further cementing its role as a key driver of youth tourism in Sarawak.
Festival founder Tiger Ming said the event continues to bring significant spillover benefits to the local economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality.
“When people come to the festival, they fly here, book hotels and support the vendors. All these have a big impact on the economy. It actually helps all sectors,” he said.
This year’s edition will also introduce traditional cultural workshops for the first time, inspired by the legacy and success of the Rainforest World Music Festival, with activities such as batik and pottery making aimed at encouraging younger audiences to reconnect with Sarawak and Borneo’s cultural heritage.
Besides music and cultural workshops, this year’s edition will also feature a wider selection of arts and crafts offerings at subsidised rates as part of efforts to promote and preserve local heritage. — DayakDaily
