KUCHING: The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) must have its own longhouse, says its chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Deputy Premier said the proposed longhouse would serve as a dedicated space to showcase Dayak artefacts, history and interactive cultural displays, while describing the initiative as timely and essential for preserving Dayak heritage.
“Of course, the dream longhouse is one of our immediate agendas. Once the land is ready, we should be able to see the longhouse built within two years. I also hope you will consult various parties on its design, the artefacts to be displayed, and what should or should not be included.
“It is time for us to have a place where we can display our artefacts and our history, including interactive elements,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of the Beyond Preservation: Adapting Dayak Traditional Motifs and Designs for Modern Market seminar at the foundation’s complex, here today (Nov 19).
He added that it was timely for the foundation to secure a tuak licence, noting that only two such licences exist in Kuching at present.
“Regarding the development of tuak, it is high time for us to have one tuak licence. It does not mean we are encouraging alcoholism but it is part of our culture. Just like wine or liquor.
“When you go to the airport or duty-free areas, you see a wide range of liquor. One day, I hope to see tuak displayed there at prices comparable to other brands—like Maotai. I’ve even seen bottles reaching RM10,000,” he said.
On other seminar resolutions, particularly those relating to intellectual property (IP), Uggah said the foundation would hold further discussions with managing trustee Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah to determine the next steps.
“There are ways we must approach this, and it is time for us to place IP as one of DCF’s tasks for 2026.
“For the remaining resolutions, we will study them, and I will propose to Datuk Patinggi Leonard the formation of a committee to pursue them, including earlier resolutions.
“We have many seminars, but after these seminars, we must ensure resolutions are followed through and forwarded to the government,” he said.
Earlier, DCF members of board of trustees Professor Datuk Dr. Neilson Ilan Mersat presented six resolutions, including: expediting the development of the DCF dream longhouse; documenting Iban material culture in contemporary architectural practice; adapting Iban traditional motifs and designs for modern market use while ensuring their safe replication; securing IP rights for Iban designs and traditional crafts; fostering youth interest in cultural practices; and developing master plans and legal frameworks to address safety, security and issues affecting longhouses.
