MIRI: This city will once again be in the spotlight as it gears up to host the inaugural Indigenous Exchange Festival 2025 (IXF 2025) at Piasau Nature Reserve from Sept 12 to 14.
The festival, held for the first time, will serve as an international cultural exchange platform, bringing together indigenous arts, heritage, and voices from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the IXF has the potential to grow into an internationally recognised event, much like the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), which began modestly more than two decades ago.
“RWMF started with just 300 visitors but today attracts over 20,000 annually.
“I believe IXF too can grow into a global event that Sarawak can be proud of,” he told a press conference at Alter/Space Gallery & Studio here on Thursday (Aug 28).
Ting who is also Piasau assemblyman, said the festival aligns with the state government’s efforts to promote Sarawak’s cultural diversity while empowering local communities.
“Sarawak is rich in heritage and the unique stories of every ethnic group.
“Through this festival, we not only share them with the world but also nurture pride among our own people,” he added.
He thanked all parties involved in making the festival a reality and hoped IXF 2025 would continue to grow into an annual event.
The three-day festival will feature diverse programmes, including performances by Orang Ulu communities such as the Kayan, Kenyah, and Teling, alongside forums, storytelling sessions, and artistic showcases by international delegates.
Organised in collaboration with local and international strategic partners, including Diamond Curve, IXF 2025 aims to position Miri as a hub for indigenous cultural exchange in the region.
The event is expected to draw art and culture enthusiasts from within and outside the country, further cementing Miri’s standing as an international cultural tourism destination.
