KUCHING: The Sarawakiana Festival showcases Sarawak’s rich heritage of customs, culture and history that remain alive and continue to evolve.
In stating this Sarawak State Library (Pustaka Negeri Sarawak) chief executive officer Japri Bujang Masli said festivals of this nature also help strengthen cultural diversity in the state while symbolising unity among its people.
“Young people, cultural researchers, artists, and representatives of various ethnic communities have come forward to share their knowledge, creativity, and traditional practices.
“This is clear proof that our heritage continues to flourish, to be appreciated and to be preserved collectively,” he said.
He said this in a speech read by Sarawak State Library deputy chief executive officer (Operations) Wan Mazli Wan Razali at the closing of the Sarawakiana Festival 2025 here today.
Japri added that in the face of globalisation and modern technology, heritage is increasingly exposed to risks arising from lifestyle changes, urbanisation and the dominance of global cultures.
Therefore, he stressed that systematic efforts in preservation, documentation, and transmission of knowledge, culture, and belief systems are crucial to ensure their continuity as Sarawak’s intellectual and cultural treasures.
“As such, Pustaka has taken the initiative to document this festival in the form of a book publication, thereby enriching the local content collection.
“I believe the information contained in the publication resulting from the Sarawakiana Festival will certainly benefit readers,” he said.
He added that the effort aligns with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak’s vision, mission, and objectives as a repository of information and knowledge, preserving intellectual heritage and promoting a culture of learning.
Reflecting on the festival’s beginnings, he said it was first held in 2010 in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak.
“Since then, the Sarawakiana Festival has been organised biennially with a variety of unique and engaging themes, alongside numerous activities held throughout the festival week.
“Among the themes previously featured were Stage (2019), Leaves (2021), and Traditional Embroidery and Weaving Arts of Sarawak (2023), while this year’s theme is Heritage of Knowledge, Culture and Beliefs,” he said.
In a related development, he expressed his appreciation and gratitude to panel members, facilitators, trainers, and partner organisations who contributed to the success of various activities held throughout the festival, including the Sarawakiana Forum, Sarawakiana Lecture Series, Bidayuh Ethnic Cultural Dance Workshop, Baju Ujan or Ngepan Batang Rajang Workshop, Kelembit Woodcarving Heritage Workshop, Folktale Sessions, and the Hadrah Competition.
“These activities received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public and local communities, to the extent that registration for several activities had to be closed earlier than scheduled.
“This clearly shows that our community today places the cultivation of knowledge as a core element of daily life,” he explained.
He also congratulated Kumpulan Hadrah Nurfatihah Kampung Kudei Baru for winning the top prize of RM3,000 for Best Performance, while Kumpulan Hadrah Gabungan Seni Warisan won RM1,000 for Best Costume, and Kumpulan Hadrah Gemar Bakti won RM1,000 in the People’s Choice category.
