By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 14: The Dayak Bidayuh National Association’s (DBNA) nine-storey Community Hostel has now been completed with RM16 million in State funding after several years of planning and construction.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who officiated the official opening during DBNA’s 70th anniversary celebration last night, said the idea for the hostel was proposed by former education minister Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong and DBNA president Dato Ik Pahon Joyik in 2020.
“During DBNA’s 65th anniversary, Datuk Amar Michael Manyin and Datuk Ik Pahon suggested building a community hostel as DBNA has many branches, and people may want to come to Kuching on transit or students may need affordable accommodation.
“They asked if the government could assist with RM16 million, and I agreed—for the sake of the Bidayuh,” he said. An audio recording of his speech was later made available to DayakDaily.
Abang Johari also announced an additional RM4 million allocation to DBNA to furnish and complete outstanding works, raising the State’s total support for the project to RM20 million.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development and DBNA advisor Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn disclosed that the construction project began in 2021 and was completed in 2024 despite Covid-19 challenges.
He said the facility, which houses DBNA’s offices, dormitories, 96 rooms, and a rooftop event space, is not only a new landmark in Kuching City but also an essential transit accommodation for students, families and members from outstation branches.
Sagah highlighted that DBNA’s headquarters today consists of three main buildings—a multi-purpose hall capable of hosting up to 55 dining tables or 800 conference participants, the iconic Baruk building which currently serves as a cultural and activity centre, and now the newly completed community hostel.
He revealed plans to transform the Baruk into a Bidayuh Heritage Gallery, incorporating digital elements to showcase the community’s history and culture.
“We want to use it for the Bidayuh Heritage Gallery to create yet another tourism attraction, and also for those who want to do research on the community, that will be very convenient for them,” Sagah said. – DayakDaily
