KUCHING: The Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu (BBGB), a prestigious cultural event that has been held annually to celebrate Gawai, is an event worthy to be included in the state-level tourism calendar.
Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, said what began as a modest local gathering has now blossomed into a cultural showcase worthy of state-level recognition.
“Following an overwhelming show of community support, the BBGB will officially be listed in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar as an annual event, celebrating the richness of Dayak heritage during the Gawai season.
“From the grassroots to calendar-worthy, I think it is apt to include BBGB Cultural Parade to shine annually on Sarawak’s tourism stage.
“This marks a turning point,” he said when met at the 2025 BBGB Cultural Parade, organised by Persatuan Segu Benuk Penrissen (PSBP) at Kampung Segu Benuk at Jalan Puncak Borneo, here on Monday.
He further added that the event has attracted a growing enthusiasm, noting that participation had surged from just six contingents last year to over 21 this year, with each group proudly donning traditional attire and embracing the spirit of ‘Indi Awang, Indi Asung’, which basically means ‘Sehati Sejiwa’.
“The scale, the unity, and the passion shown by our people today reflect something far greater than a local celebration; it reflects a cultural movement worthy of the world’s attention.
“The BBGB event is now poised to become a major cultural tourism draw, offering both locals and international visitors a deeper connection to the heart of Sarawak’s heritage,” he said.
Dr Jerip, who is the state assemblyman for Mambong, also informed that after the listing of the event is completed, his side would also improve on the programme’s content yearly.
“This is because the increase in participation this time is seen as receiving a very good response.
“As a result of this, we will continue to improve this event to include different elements in the future, in a effort to showcase our culture,” he said.
He also mentioned that the event on Monday was also witnessed by about 2,000 to 3,000 participants from 21 contingents involved.
“We would like to thank everyone involved, especially in organising this event every year, including agencies that have provided us the support,” he said.
Also present at the event were Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament, Datuk Willie Mongin; Special Administrative Officer of the Greater Kuching Development Coordination Agency (GKCDA), Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik; and Chief Administrative Officer of the Padawan District Office, Julius Scott Sapong.
