Sarawak Gendang Festival, creative events drum up tourism while inspiring heritage pride in Sarawak

Wan Junaidi (right) beats a drum to mark the opening of the Sarawak Gendang Festival 2024, witnessed by Abdul Karim (third left) and other distinguished guests at Kuching Waterfront on Nov 1, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Nov 2: Creative and artistic events, including the Sarawak Gendang Festival 2024, will diversify offerings and boost tourism in Sarawak, which is expected to reach four million tourist arrivals by October.

In a report by TVS, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasised that beyond boosting tourism, the Sarawak Gendang Festival, now in its 11th edition, plays a critical role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage in Sarawak.

“The drum festival celebrates and popularises traditional arts such as drumming, ‘bermukun’, and ‘bertandak’, which form an integral part of Sarawak’s heritage.

“The festival inspires people to cherish the arts and culture, especially the younger generation and tourists, as a valuable heritage that must be learned and safeguarded,” he said at the festival’s opening ceremony at the Kuching Waterfront last night (Nov 1).

Abdul Karim (standing left) together with wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar along with Wan Junaidi and wife Fauziah in a photo at the opening ceremony of Sarawak Gendang Festival at Kuching Waterfront on Nov 1, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

The festival, officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, is anticipated by Sarawakians each year and stands as a signature collaborative programme between the federal and Sarawak governments.

Abdul Karim also expressed hope that the festival will encourage younger generations to deepen their understanding of Sarawak’s cultural customs and arts, which have been handed down through generations.

“This heritage must be preserved together to prevent it from fading and should be embraced as part of every Sarawakian’s identity,” he added.

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) Deputy Secretary-General (Management) Dato Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, highlighted that the festival also aligns with the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“This collaboration between MOTAC and MTCP (Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts) is designed to sustain and share cultural tourism programmes, especially in Sarawak, so that people of all ages can enjoy them.

“The festival showcases the unique cultural arts of Sarawak’s diverse ethnic communities,” he said.

Young performers delighting audience with cultural dance at Sarawak Gendang Festival at Kuching Waterfront on Nov 1, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

Performers showcasing their talent at Sarawak Gendang Festival 2024 at Kuching Waterfront on Nov 1, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

One of the main attractions this year is the Sarawak Malay Drums Competition, featuring groups from not only Sarawak but also neighbouring Brunei Darussalam competing for the championship title.

Over 200 participants, including artists, practitioners, and cultural activists, are taking part in the festival.

MTCP permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini, National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris, Kuching Division Resident Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi and JKKN Sarawak director Noor Seela Noor Sulaiman were present. — DayakDaily