Cultural heritage showcase in Kapit preserves Bagatan roots while building economic future

Snowdan (in pink) tours the heritage craft displays during the programme.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 28: The ‘Program Kenali Budaya dan Adat Resam Etnik Bagatan’ was held recently at Nanga Merit, Kapit to introduce and strengthen understanding of the Bagatan ethnic group’s cultural heritage while promoting heritage-based entrepreneurship for the local community.

According to Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, the initiative aims to preserve Bagatan customs, language, oral history, and traditional practices, while creating economic opportunities for youth and women through craft and heritage-based entrepreneurship.

Organised by the Sarawak Entrepreneur Association (SEA) in collaboration with the Kapit community, the programme is supported by the Dana Mudahcara Warisan dan Kesenian, which funds preservation, documentation, and knowledge transfer of intangible cultural heritage.

Activities included demonstrations of traditional crafts, decorative arts, clothing, and other creative products.

“These efforts allow cultural heritage to serve as a sustainable economic resource for the community,” he said.

Also present were head of the Heritage and Creative Industries Division Dr Elena Chai; representative of Kapit Resident Elvis Didit, Daniel Batin; Kapit District Officer Geoffrey Kendawang; chairman of the Kapit District Council Andy Lawrence; Penghulu Esik; Kapit District Council member Aman; secretary of the SEA Cecilia Lagak; along with community leaders, longhouse chiefs, entrepreneurs and residents. — DayakDaily