LUNDU: Lundu is well-positioned to emerge as one of Sarawak’s cultural tourism destinations, driven by its rich indigenous heritage and strong community efforts to preserve traditional customs and cultural identity.
Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang said the district’s diverse cultural assets, particularly those of the Jagoi, Salako and Rara communities, hold significant potential to stimulate local economic growth through tourism and culture-based entrepreneurship.
According to him, development and cultural preservation must go hand in hand to ensure progress does not come at the expense of community identity.
“As a people’s representative, I want to see Opar continue to progress in terms of infrastructure, economy, education, technology, and employment opportunities.
“However, in pursuing development, we must not lose the cultural roots that form the foundation of our community’s strength.
“Successful development is development that uplifts the dignity of the people, strengthens community confidence, and preserves heritage for future generations,” he said.
He said this during the District-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 at the Lundu Community Hall on Saturday.
Billy said Gawai Dayak is more than an annual celebration, describing it as a symbol of the heritage, identity and struggles of the Dayak community that must be safeguarded by future generations.
He stressed that cultural heritage should be viewed not only as a legacy of the past but also as an important asset for the future, particularly in ensuring cultural identity remains relevant amid rapid modernisation.
Billy also commended ongoing cultural initiatives in Lundu, including the Narakng programme, which promotes unity among the Salako and Rara communities, as well as Bari’ Dance performances that showcase the uniqueness of local cultural arts.
Meanwhile, Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan said the Gawai celebration reflects Sarawak’s strong spirit of unity and harmony among its multicultural and multi-religious communities.
He encouraged the public to continue embracing the spirit of ‘segulai sejalai’, fostering mutual respect and making use of open-house traditions to strengthen community ties.
The celebration attracted about 400 visitors and featured a range of cultural performances highlighting the rich traditions of the Dayak community while reinforcing social cohesion.
