KUCHING: The newly launched Bidayuh Cultural Centre (BCC) stands as a testament to the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring development goes hand in hand with the preservation of cultural identity and heritage.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) and Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the RM9 million project reflects the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s vision of achieving balanced and inclusive development.
Speaking at the launch of the BCC by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in Bau, Henry said the centre is more than just a community facility.
“The Sarawak government does not see this project as merely a community hall. Instead, it has been planned as a cultural landmark for Bau,” he said.
Implemented under the People’s Project allocation, the BCC features a multi-purpose hall capable of accommodating more than 1,000 people, exhibition spaces, meeting facilities and a traditional Baruk, a structure that symbolises the identity and heritage of the Bidayuh community.
Henry stressed that genuine progress should not come at the expense of cultural roots and community values.
“For me, real progress is when we are able to move forward without losing our own identity and cultural roots. Real development is balanced development that improves the people’s standard of living, strengthens community unity and preserves local cultural identity and heritage,” he said.
He noted that Bau possesses significant potential to emerge as a leading cultural and heritage tourism destination due to its unique attractions and rich history.
With its gold mining legacy, distinctive limestone formations, natural caves, eco-tourism assets and strong Bidayuh cultural identity, Henry said the district is well-positioned to attract visitors from within and beyond Sarawak.
“We want to see Bau emerge as one of the premier cultural and heritage tourism destinations, not only in Sarawak but also in Malaysia,” he added.
According to Henry, the inauguration of the BCC symbolises a broader belief that development and modernisation do not have to undermine the traditions and cultural heritage that form the foundation of a strong society.
He said the project embodies the aspirations of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which seeks to transform Sarawak into a developed and high-income state while preserving the identity, unity and values of its people.
“The development we envision under PCDS 2030 is not solely focused on roads, bridges and buildings. It is also about building a society that remains proud of its heritage and culture,” he said.
Henry described the BCC as a significant milestone in preserving Bidayuh heritage while contributing to Bau’s social, cultural and tourism development for future generations.
