KUCHING: Foreign tattoo enthusiasts, who ink Sarawak’s traditional design, are not only embracing the art but also promoting the state to the world.
In stating this, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, said he had previously met visitors from Italy and the United Kingdom who had proudly shown him their ‘bungai terung’ Iban tattoos.
“I told them ‘thank you’, because they are bringing a piece of Sarawak back home with them.
“By doing our traditional tattoos or anything related to Sarawak, they are automatically promoting us to the whole world,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the three-day Kuching International Tattoo Expo 2025 held at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Headquarters here today.
Snowdan further commended the expo’s organiser for attracting participants from 13 countries, including Belgium, Italy, Russia, India, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Africa, Holland, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Sarawak.
“Tattoo is an art, and art is part of the creative industry. And our ministry gives our full support for events like this.
“Meanwhile, those from overseas who carry our tattoos also become our cultural ambassadors,” he said.
He added that through the expo, more visitors will be exposed to Sarawak’s 34 ethnic groups, as well as its culture, heritage, food, costumes and arts.
“At the same time, the expo also complements other major events such as the Borderland Music Festival, which drew more than 10,000 people on its first night at the Sarawak Cultural Village,” he said.
He also said Sarawak is positioning itself as the “Gateway to Borneo” with upcoming initiatives, such as the state-owned AirBorneo airline and plans for a new international airport to accommodate growing tourist arrivals.
The tattoo expo, which will conclude tomorrow (Sunday, Sept 7), features 118 local and international tattoo artists showcasing their work, and is expected to attract around 6,000 visitors this year, compared to 4,000 last year.
Also present were Kuching Tattoo Art Association’s President, Nicholas Jenta, Vice-President Boi Skrang, and Secretary, Maximillian Ajie.
