KUCHING: The Iban are rich in their cultural heritage given their traditions, customs, festivals and their costumes.
So to further preserve and promote their identity, Sarawakians, especially the Iban, have been encouraged to put on something that has Iban cultural elements and patterns in their daily life.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said for instance, one does not necessarily have to wear a full male or female Iban traditional costume, but can wear a ‘Pua Kumbu’ (woven textile) designed necktie or the ‘Marik Empang’ (beaded collar necklace).
“Wearing something that has Iban cultural elements or patterns is a way to preserve our culture and traditions.
“At the same time, it is also making sure of the sustainability and continuity of our arts and crafts,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
He added, among other things, the Pua Kumbu and ‘Ngepan Iban’ (Iban women’s traditional costume) is a pride of the Iban cultural heritage.
“Thus, we can further showcase this to others and even create economic opportunities by promoting and using the Ngepan,” he said.
To achieve this, he pointed out that the Iban must start by leading by example.
“There are about one million Iban in Sarawak. Imagine if every one of us buys RM100 worth of costume, the total impact is RM100 million.
“Surely, this can sustain the industry and therefore make the product more affordable.
“By then, we will have more Iban products that will be used with pride by all Sarawakians and the world,” he said.
Earlier, Rentap, who is Layar assemblyman spoke at the Sarawak state-level Ngepan Iban Symposium 2022 themed ‘Ngepan Pesaka Bansa, Nyungkak Pemansang Ekonomi Bansa Iban’ which was held at Pullman Hotel in Miri from Feb 10 to 11.
The two-day symposium focuses on preserving the Iban culture and identity and using it as an economic opportunity.
During the symposium, he suggested the Iban wear garments with Iban cultural elements or patterns every Monday.
His proposal was widely shared on social media with many commending the idea while some said they would use the Pua Kumbu inspired batik.
