KUCHING: This month’s Raising of the Ibu Pertiwi Flag ceremony took on a festive atmosphere with its Pre-Gawai edition, highlighted by cultural dance performances from the Dayak Cultural Association.
Organised monthly by the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), the ceremony is held to honour Sarawak’s sovereignty while fostering unity and appreciation for its rich cultural heritage.
It was officiated by Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai.
It commenced with an inspection of the DBKU Honour Guard, followed by the singing of Sarawak’s state anthem, Ibu Pertiwiku.
As customary, the Ibu Pertiwi flag – measuring 25 metres in length and 12.4 metres in width – was raised in a solemn and dignified manner atop Kuching’s iconic 99-metre-tall flagpole, one of the city’s key landmarks.
This monthly ceremony, introduced in July 2024, has become a meaningful effort by DBKU to nurture patriotism and a strong sense of identity among Sarawakians.
The inclusion of Dayak cultural performances in conjunction with the upcoming Gawai Dayak celebration added a festive and inclusive atmosphere to this month’s edition.
Sarawak has earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) due to the height of the Ibu Pertiwi flagpole, which stands at 99.4 metres – the tallest in both Southeast Asia and Malaysia.
The inaugural ceremony at Dataran Ibu Pertiwi here was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 28, 2024.
This patriotic event is held on the first Sunday of every month, and is open to the public, inviting participation from all walks of life to strengthen unity and pride in Sarawak’s identity.
