Sarawak state flag named “Ibu Pertiwi”

KUCHING: The Sarawak state flag has been officially named “Ibu Pertiwi,” signifying the motherland.

In announcing this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the flagpole at Kuching Waterfront, the tallest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, will also bear this name, while the accompanying square will be known as Ibu Pertiwi Square.

“Tonight, I want to announce the name of our (Sarawak) flag. If the Malaysian flag is called Jalur Gemilang, our flag will be named Ibu Pertiwi.

“While, the complex area is Ibu Pertiwi Square and of course the flagpole is called Ibu Pertiwi (Tiang Ibu Pertiwi).

“Ibu Pertiwi is our motherland, we must protect it as it brings sovereignty to Sarawak. Ibu Pertiwi also reflects the greatness of the state of Sarawak with the colours red, black and yellow.

“It symbolises our unity and all ‘Anak Sarawak’ should be determined, work hard to defend the motherland and let’s develop this motherland so that it will be more advanced and become a perfect place for Sarawakian,” he said.

He said this in his speech during the 2024 New Year Countdown at Kuching Waterfront here last night (Dec 31).

On a related note, Abang Johari clarified that the flagpole, which is an iconic structure for the state, was not built using the state government’s fund.

“I would like to express my gratitude to three companies that have contributed towards the construction of the flagpole and the surrounding square.

“They are Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), our own oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Shell. These three companies contributed under their corporate social responsibility as they know that they have been operating in Sarawak.

“They also have been given scholarships to our ‘Anak Sarawak’ to pursue their study as well as training grounds for our students. This is their contribution, and they know that ‘Anak Sarawak’ will protect this motherland at all cost for the betterment of Sarawak,” he said.

The Ibu Pertiwi flagpole.

Abang Johari delivers his speech.