By Amanda L & Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 22: The newly launched Bidayuh Cultural Centre (BCC) has elevated Bau district’s event infrastructure to a standard matching the State capital, signaling an end to the town’s reliance on temporary outdoor setups for major community gatherings.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who inaugurated the landmark facility today, pointed out that the cutting-edge centre effectively brings Bau into the same league as Kuching’s elite convention spaces.
“In Kuching, we have the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Today, we can compete with the establishment of BCCB—the Bidayuh Cultural Centre Bau,” he said, adding that the modern facility frees residents from the long-standing hassle of hosting milestones under temporary, sweat-inducing outdoor canopies.
The Premier revealed that the project had faced prolonged delays during its early stages due to funding constraints, noting it was initially conceptualised during the administration of the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“When I took over the State leadership, we looked at ways to generate our own revenue. Once we had our own resources, I told Datuk Henry Harry Jinep to go ahead and build it,” he added.
With Bau’s recent recognition as part of the UNESCO Kuching Delta Geopark, the Premier envisioned the BCC playing a pivotal role as a commercial and cultural hub. He urged the community to utilize the space for paid cultural performances, musical theater and marketing local handicrafts to international visitors, while noting that the centre aligns with the ongoing Greater Bau development plan.
Meanwhile, Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep stated that the RM9 million community facility fulfills a long-awaited aspiration of the Bidayuh community to preserve their heritage while supporting tourism and socio-economic development.
Built under the Sarawak government’s Projek Rakyat (PR) initiative along Jalan Jambusan, construction of the centre officially commenced on December 21, 2023 and was completed earlier this year on January 28.
According to Henry, who is also Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine), the facility features a multipurpose hall capable of accommodating over 1,000 people, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, and an iconic traditional Bidayuh baruk architecture that anchors the community’s cultural identity.
“The Bidayuh Cultural Centre is more than just a building. It is a symbol of our identity, heritage, and aspirations for future generations,” he shared.
He revealed that the facility had already proven its value to the local populace prior to its official opening, having successfully hosted the Bau Gawai Parade, youth development activities, and a higher education expo involving nine institutions to assist SPM and STPM school leavers.
Henry added that the project was a key initiative outlined under The Blueprint for Bau District 2016–2030 and the Greater Bau 2030 Initiative, both of which complement Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“The completion of this centre reflects the State government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches all communities while preserving the unique cultural heritage that defines Sarawak,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
