ROBAN: A walk down memory lane, in this instance, through the ruai (corridor) of an olden day longhouse, has turned out to be a major attraction at the Roban Festival here.
Though only a replica of the original Iban longhouse, it is making a good impression on visitors who stop by to see for themselves how people lived in the past.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri said what was unique is that visitors had the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the old days in the longhouse.
“Congratulations to Penghulu Jos @ George Maggie who led the construction, to highlight the uniqueness of the longhouse way of life that is increasingly being forgotten.
“Since the replica was opened to the public, it has received a very encouraging response from various races,” he said, adding that it comes complete with Iban art, old items, kitchen and cooking equipment, places to store water and tools for farming and more.
He was speaking after the opening of Pesta Roban 2023 by the Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.
He and Krian assemblyman Friday Belik then accompanied Ripin to the longhouse replica exhibition yesterday.
He called on the younger generation to get to know the traditional longhouses of their ancestors.
“I believe this is something that has a high nostalgic value… to bring back memories of living in a longhouse once upon a time.
“This is because now everything is modern and the new generation has gone through a different way of life,” he said.
Mohamad in the meantime said the Roban Festival 2023 which carries the theme Segulai Sejalai demonstrated the racial unity that has existed for a long time.
He is optimistic that throughout the three days the festival will attract about 10,000 foreign and local visitors.
