KUCHING: The evolution of the lutong, a traditional musical instrument, has seen it adapted for use alongside other instruments while retaining its original identity, said Bungan Creative founder Elizabeth Bungan Peter.
She said the approach was part of the “Evolution: Tradition Meets Innovation” theme of the Lutong Musical Instrument Expo 2026.
“When we talk about evolution, it does not mean that we want to change the lutong to the point that we no longer recognise what it is,” she said in her closing remarks at the expo.
Elizabeth, who is also a lutong legacy bearer, said the focus was on finding ways for the instrument to continue being used, including through its construction, tuning, playing and teaching methods, as well as its use in contemporary music.
“At the same time, we continue to respect the origins and identity of the lutong,” she said.
She said the effort involved various parties, including lutong makers, musicians, teachers, arts practitioners, knowledge bearers and young people interested in learning the instrument.
Recalling the Lutong Basic Workshop in 2025, Elizabeth said there had been a shortage of instruments, with only one lutong available for 30 students.
She said Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS) subsequently supported the reproduction of 20 lutongs.
“This time, in 2026, MSS once again supported the Evolution of Lutong, bringing the lutong into a more practical and presentable form on stage alongside other musical instruments,” she said.
Elizabeth said MSS also supported the Lutong Musical Instrument Expo, which provided an opportunity for the instrument to be showcased to the public.
She also thanked SCHA (Sarawak Culture & Heritage Association) and Peng Leto Kenyah Kuching Sarawak for their support and collaboration in promoting the traditional instrument.
Elizabeth said bringing traditional arts into public spaces could help expose more people to them.
“Sometimes, it is not that people are not interested. They simply have never been introduced to them. So, our task is to open that space,” she said.
She also called on young people to learn and play the lutong to ensure the knowledge was passed on to future generations.
“If we want this heritage to continue to exist, we need people who are willing to learn and carry it forward,” she said.
Elizabeth said she hoped the expo would encourage visitors to learn to play the instrument, conduct research or eventually become lutong players and makers.
She said efforts to develop the lutong should continue beyond the expo, with further opportunities to learn and explore the instrument.
“I want them to be able to say, ‘I know lutong’, ‘I have learned lutong’ and ‘I can play lutong’,” she said.
