SRI AMAN, April 21: Sri Aman’s iconic Pesta Benak (Tidal Bore Festival) is returning after a two-year hiatus and will take place for three days from September 9 to 11.
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said the organisation of this year’s Pesta Benak was considered after the country entered the endemic phase.
He explained that this is because the organisers clearly expect more visitors from within and outside the country to come with the locals to witness the uniqueness of this festival later, as the Pesta Benak was last held in 2019, before the country was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Harden, who is also a Simanggang assemblyman, said this when he chaired the Pesta Benak 2022 committee meeting with the chairman of the Pesta Benak 2022 main committee, Datu Indit Bangai at the Sri Aman Division Resident’s office meeting room on Wednesday.
He stated that the discussion resulted in the establishment of various traditional programmes in the organisation of Pesta Benak, with the highlight being the Regatta (Boat Race) competition.
Other activities include development exhibitions, educational institution exhibitions, Bazar Ria, and multi-cultural stage shows such as the Ratu Benak competition, Kebaya Nyonya competition, and several other side events.
“Pesta Benak this time has a brand new and attractive site after the Sri Aman Waterfront construction project is fully completed.
“The project’s components include the Wharf Section (Pesta Benak’s site), the Boardwalk, and the Culture Heritage Center, which houses 14 lots of shops.
“We are optimistic that, if possible, the Premier of Sarawak will officiate the Sri Aman Waterfront opening ceremony,” he said.
The Pesta Benak Sri Aman, which has been included in the Sarawak State Tourism calendar, is already well-known in many parts of the world, and this festival has the potential to help the people of this city’s economy in the long run.
Representatives from Mysed, Motac, and each agency were invited to the meeting to remind them of the programme assignment that had been distributed.
Also present were Sri Aman District officer Mohd Ashree Wee, Lingga District officer Frank Lani, Pantu District officer Langgong Wasam, and administrative officer Abdul Rahman Sebli. — DayakDaily
