Asadia: 2nd traditional activity class series to start Aug 5

SIBU (July 25): The Academy of Sarawak Dayak Iban (Asadia) will commence its second series of traditional activity classes starting Aug 5.

Asadia head Mabong Unggang said the classes include Iban women and men dance, Orang Ulu women and men dance, Bidayuh women and men dance, ‘betabuh’, ‘gendang pampat’, ‘belikan’, ‘sape’ and ‘kuntau Iban’.

“The classes will take place at Asadia and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association premises in Kuching. I hope more people will sign up to join the classes,” he said in a statement.

Mabong added Asadia is motivated to continue to organise classes due to good response from public members.

After completing the first series of classes in June, he said the academy continues to pursue its mission to promote Dayak traditional activities this month.

“Early this month, Charles Gerugu, who is skilful in various types of Iban oral literature, commenced the Iban pantun class. There were also Iban women and men dance as well as ‘betabuh’ classes being held at Turung in Siburan.

“These classes were mostly joined by youth, showing their enthusiasm to learn and preserve our traditional activities,” he added.

Moreover, Mabong also said five individuals just recently completed their ‘kain burie’-making class, adding that Asadia organises two of such classes every year.