This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, June 14: A festive atmosphere recently permeated the normally quiet town of Betong as almost 2,000 participants in 36 contingents took part in the Betong Gawai Dayak Festival 2023 street parade to showcase their respective traditional attires.
The parade is a brilliant way to showcase Sarawak heritage and culture through traditional costumes and accessories to the world, sais 49-year-old Iban food operator Alexander Jelema.
He opined that the event organised by the Betong Resident’s Office on June 10 is good and the right way to display Sarawak’s rich culture and even traditional body art like tattoos.
“These days, this kind of parade is well-liked by the older general public who understand the value of our culture, and this should spur young people not to forget their roots and heritage.
“The parade could bring together the ethnic community and people from all walks of life to be more united and live in peace and harmony. This is the real meaning of the phrase ‘Segulai Sejalai’ that has been shown some interest by our political leaders,” he said.
“It is good, as everyone, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and other ethnic communities, joined forces to make the event a success and in unity. Kudos to all of them,” he told DayakDaily when met recently.
Alexander added the Dayak community should feel special for being able to join the parade.
“Outsiders can also see our Dayak lifestyle, well-being, and rich culture. We want to share our traditional music, sounds, and food too.
“For that, every Dayak should be proud, and we should thank the first Chief Minister of Sarawak, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan, for making Gawai Dayak an official celebration on June 1, 1964.”
Alexander further opined that organising events such as the parade is one way to create opportunities for eatery owners like him to make money for the day.
“Of course, we wish to have events like this every day so that many people will come to Betong town and patronise our businesses,” he said.
He encouraged young Dayaks to continue showcasing and sharing cultural their heritage so that it would not disappear.
“Don’t simply join any event just for reward but be proud of our identity.”
He said Sarawak is blessed as it is a peaceful State, and future generations, especially the young Iban, must be disciplined and work hard to earn their livelihoods.
“They have to be able to help themselves and others. We must continue to safeguard our traditions all the time.
“This kind of event is a gamechanger in getting people to know our rich culture. It should continue to held on a bigger scale as Betong wants people to come here as we have many tourist attractions. I hope the government makes every effort to make the division a visitors’ destination to stimulate the local economy and bring prosperity to us here,” he said.
The recent Gawai Dayak parade was officiated at by Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Bukit Saban assemblyman. — DayakDaily
