BELAGA: The Ladong Bio Lepa Ajau Festival 2025, held at Lepo Badeng Hall in Apau Koyan, is more than just an annual festivity.
It serves as a meaningful platform to empower the Kenyah community and uphold unity across the Murum and Belaga regions.
Now in its 13th edition, the festival is organised by the Sarawak Kenyah National Association (PKKS) Sungai Asap Belaga Branch.
It continues to play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, promoting the spirit of gotong-royong (mutual cooperation), and strengthening ties between local leaders and the grassroots community.
Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon highlighted that Ladong Bio Lepa Ajau carries profound significance for the Kenyah community, as it celebrates gratitude, solidarity and a shared cultural identity.
“This festival embodies the collective spirit and unity of the Kenyah community in safeguarding their cultural heritage.
“It also serves as an important space for interaction, reinforcing the connection between the people and their leaders,” he said during the officiating ceremony on Friday.
He further expressed hope that such initiatives would be sustained into the future to ensure the continuity of culture and foster stronger unity among the diverse sub-ethnic groups in Sarawak’s interior.
Chukpai also extended his gratitude to all contributors, particularly Sarawak Energy Berhad for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) support, as well as Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications (Telecommunication) and Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang, and Deputy Minister of Digital and Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.
The two-day celebration, held from June 27 to 28, welcomed a large turnout from Kenyah longhouse communities across Belaga, many of whom camped at Apau Koyan in a show of solidarity.
One of the core aims of the Ladong Bio Lepa Ajau Festival is to safeguard the Kenyah community’s arts, culture and traditions, while fostering stronger grassroots-leadership relations.
A variety of engaging activities were featured, including motivational talks, advisory sessions and vibrant cultural performances that showcased the rich identity of the Kenyah people.
