EVERY June, something special happens in Kampung Segu Bunuk in Penrissen, along Puncak Borneo Road. It begins with the beating of gongs and the proud, steady march of villagers dressed in traditional Bidayuh attire. There is colour, music, laughter – but more importantly, there is meaning.
This is the Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu – our Bidayuh cultural parade and fellowship night. And as we prepare for its third edition on June 2, I reflect not just on how far it has come, but on what it truly represents.
What began as a modest celebration in 2022 with only six contingents has now blossomed into a full-fledged community movement. Previously, not more than 300 people took part in it. This year, over 21 contingents are confirmed, with more than 2,000 people expected to participate. It’s no longer just an event – it has become a living expression of identity, pride, and cultural continuity.
The contingents among others include Persatuan Perkasakan Jati Diri Mambong, Persatuan Wanita Kawasan Mambong, Persatuan Biannah, Persatuan Bra’ang, Kpg Segu Bunuk, Kpg Sumur Bunuk, Kpg Sorot Bunuk, Kpg Punau, Kpg Bratan, Kpg Sibatuh Bunuk, Kpg Bawang, Kpg Danu, Kelab Belia Kpg Bunuk, DBNA Penrissen, Padawan 4×4, Persatuan Perantau Borneo KL, Persatuan VATM N19. Mambong, Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen, Persatuan Tibia, and Persatuan Biperoh.
In Brarak, we walk – but not aimlessly. We walk with purpose. Each step in the parade is a step into history. Every traditional outfit, every rhythmic beat of the drum, tells a story passed down through generations. Our attire isn’t just decorative – it’s symbolic. It carries our heritage, reflects our origins, and affirms our identity as Bidayuh.
Bipajak, the evening gathering, is more than a dinner. It is a sacred time for connection. It’s where leaders and representatives from the various clan associations and clubs meet, and where the youth are reminded of the values and resilience of our people.
As someone involved in organising this celebration since its inception, I’ve witnessed how passionately our community safeguards its culture. From children learning how to properly wear their traditional costume, to elders teaching age-old dances, there is a renewed pride in being Bidayuh – not just in name, but in heart and action.
Female participants will be dressed in the classic Bidayuh ensemble, which includes a short-sleeved or sleeveless blouse paired with a jomuh (traditional skirt). Their attire is accentuated with traditional accessories such as the selapai (sash), pangiah (beaded necklace), porik (metal or copper belt), and sipiah (headgear) – each item reflecting the rich cultural heritage and aesthetic elegance of the Bidayuh identity.
Male participants, meanwhile, typically wear the burang (headgear) along with a black vest featuring red and white stripes. Some will don the tawuop or tahup – a long loincloth wrapped around the waist, with one end hanging at the front and the other at the back. To complete the look, they may also wear kima (armlets), evoking a sense of tradition, strength, and pride in their ancestral roots.
Why does this matter? In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, it’s easy to lose sight of where we come from. As we embrace modernity, we risk losing the elements that root us. Brarak & Bipajak acts as a bridge – linking past and present, grounding us in heritage while allowing us to move forward.
This year’s celebration is particularly significant. With the backing of our elected representatives, including Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, who will officiate the event, and Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, our community hopes this celebration will gain wider recognition, perhaps even a place in Sarawak’s cultural tourism calendar. More than just a local event, it can be a platform to share Bidayuh heritage.
Cultural preservation doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, commitment, and unity. It also requires platforms, and Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu is one such platform. Through it, we honour our ancestors and pass on traditions that shape our identity.
As the Secretary of Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), the organiser of the event, I’m proud to say this event is the result of pure community spirit.
And so, as June 2 draws near, I invite everyone – Bidayuh or not – to come and witness a celebration of culture in motion. Come and see what it means to walk with pride and celebrate identity not as a relic of the past, but as something vibrant and living.
Because in the end, Brarak is more than a parade. Bipajak is more than a dinner. Together, they are a powerful reminder that when we walk together in honour of who we are, we keep our heritage not only alive but thriving.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.
