KIA’s contemporary design remains relevant to Sarawak’s traditional identity

KUCHING: The contemporary design featured on the backdrop at Kuching International Airport (KIA) reflects the universal nature of art and remains relevant to Sarawak’s identity, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said artistic elements did not necessarily have to replicate traditional motifs to represent Sarawak at every gateway into the state.

“Elements of pua kumbu, Orang Ulu designs or Sarawak motifs do not necessarily have to be displayed at every entrance to Sarawak because art is universal,” he said.

He said this to reporters at the Closing Ceremony for Sarawak Women of Tomorrow (SWOT) 2026, Season 5 at Damai Lagoon Resort Banquet Hall, Santubong on Wednesday.

Abdul Karim said the backdrop incorporated elements associated with batik, pua kumbu and Sarawak or Malaysian art, although these were presented through a contemporary interpretation.

He explained that the design should not be judged solely on whether it directly resembled traditional motifs as contemporary art often transformed familiar cultural elements into new visual forms.

“For example, there are elements of the mangosteen flower, as well as batik, pua kumbu and Sarawak or Malaysian artistic influences featured on the backdrop,” he said.

“Perhaps it does not resemble an actual mangosteen flower, but the elements are there. That is why I describe it as contemporary,” he added.

Abdul Karim said it could be difficult to categorise contemporary artistic expressions strictly according to national or cultural boundaries, particularly when similar artistic influences were shared across the region.

“Therefore, it is difficult to say this is Indonesian art or this is Malaysian art. We should look at the bigger picture and not be parochial,” he said.

He said he had previously called for the LTAK backdrop to be removed if it failed to reflect Malaysian or Sarawakian artistic elements.

However, Abdul Karim said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) had since informed him that the design had been referred to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (UNIMAS) art unit for assessment.

“We have contacted MAB, and I have received feedback that the motif presented is contemporary in nature,” he said.

He added that the contemporary approach could be accepted, while the final decision on whether the backdrop should remain would rest with the airport operator.

Abdul Karim said the discussion should ultimately focus on appreciating the broader artistic concept rather than expecting every cultural representation to reproduce traditional motifs in their original form.