By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, June 12: The launch of ‘Lung Lebui: A Kayan Folktale Collection’ marked a historic step in safeguarding the rich folktales of the Kayan community that are on the verge of being forgotten, while also reinforcing efforts to preserve the community’s language and cultural identity.
In a TVS news report, Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, who officiated the ceremony, hailed the publication as a source of immense pride for the Kayan people and a timely initiative to revive oral traditions that have faded with time.
“Lung Lebui is one of the stories that was almost lost. My deepest thanks to Curtin University and everyone involved in making this book a reality,” he said during the launch at the FORUM Cultural Centre on Wednesday (June 11).
Dennis shared that the story of Lebui holds personal significance, as it was frequently recounted by his father during his childhood at their family’s farmhouse deep in the Bornean jungle.
“It was told so dramatically that we could picture a towering spirit standing outside the house. Lebui is a giant entity in Kayan folklore—passed down for generations but never formally documented,” he recalled.
He expressed confidence that this published version of Lebui will now serve as a vital reference for future generations and inspire more young Kayan individuals to explore, write about, and research their ancestral heritage.
“I hope this book inspires more Kayan people to document and share stories from their own communities,” he added.
The book is the result of a collaborative effort between Curtin University Malaysia and Kyushu University, led by Dr Roselind Wan and Dr Yasuka Fukaya. It features captivating illustrations by Yuhki Takeuchi and storytelling by renowned Kayan folktale custodian Usun Anyi.
Adding to its prestige, the book was developed under the ILCAA Core Project, which focuses on the dynamics of languages in Asia and Africa—effectively propelling Kayan folklore to international academic and cultural recognition.
The initiative also included community outreach efforts, such as a folktale workshop at SK Long Panai last year, which provided a hands-on platform for passing down knowledge to younger generations.
The book launch signals the beginning of broader efforts to document and celebrate the cultural heritage of Sarawak’s minority ethnic groups, in line with the aspiration to elevate local traditions as treasured legacies valued on the global stage. — DayakDaily
