BAU: The Gawai Serumpun Open House event and Gawea Nyebang ceremony in Kampung Gumbang is a unique celebration which can be a new ecotourism product in Serembu state constituency.
The event was celebrated throughout the day on Saturday (June 10) which saw thousands of members from the Bidayuh community and other races came together at the Bi-Gambung Cultural Centre.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Martin Ben said the programme was different from the others which celebrated the unique customs and tradition of the Bidayuh.
“The event is very much different from any Gawai celebration and many people can see, even join in to experience the Bidayuh culture and traditions, especially here in Bau and in Kampung Gumbang.
“As there are a lot of people from different backgrounds here to experience it, I hope it can be continued in the future and attract people locally and internationally,” he said to reporters during the closing ceremony on Saturday night.
He also suggested that such a celebration should be put into the state’s tourism calendar in order for the organiser to prepare for this programme in the future.
In addition, he added with such a very unique and different event, this could boost the ecotourism sector.
“Our representatives here, Miro Simuh (Serembu assemblyman) as well as Datuk Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo MP), they know their areas well and which areas can be developed for tourism.
“We have cultural performances and activities as well as Bidayuh arts and crafts here for people to see.
“This is very unique and we should share this to all and preserve it for the next generations to come,” added Martin.
Meanwhile Miro in his speech expressed his gratitude to those attending the event and the organiser for holding such an event.
“Gawai Dayak celebrates the unity and the spirit of togetherness among various communities in Sarawak.
“Like other festivals, we here celebrate it together regardless of our race and religion. What is important is that we are united, tolerant and respective with each other to build a peaceful nation.
Also present at the event were Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Temenggong Bidayuh Kuching Datuk Austin Dimin, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, Bau District Officer Constantine Gerald David Jones and Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah (DPRD) Bengkayang (West Kalimantan, Indonesia) member Gunawan Amin.
