The Second Edition of Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu at Kampung Segu Bunuk in Jalan Puncak Borneo on June 2 was a huge success. The event saw an overwhelming response with over 1,000 participants, nearly double the number during last year’s event.
Participants included seven contingents: one each from six Bidayuh-Bisegu villages (Kampung Segu Bunuk, Kampung Sorot Bunuk, Kampung Sumur Bunuk, Kampung Bratan Bunuk, Kampung Punau Bunuk, and Kampung Sibatuh Bunuk) and the Padawan 4×4 Adventure Club.
Despite the unfavourable weather conditions, the participants of the parade persevered with unwavering spirit. Clad in their vibrant traditional costumes, they courageously marched through the rain to finish the parade route, commencing from the village entrance and concluding at the panggah (Head House) within the longhouse.
Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu, which translates to Bisegu Gawai Parade and Get-Together, was first held last year. The Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP) initiated the programme to help preserve the Bidayuh cultural heritage, especially that of the Bidayuh-Bisegu tribe. The goal is also to strengthen the Gawai Dayak spirit and foster a love for Bidayuh traditional costumes and cultural heritage among the younger generation in the community.
For the two years running, the event has been organised in collaboration with Kampung Segu Bunuk, the ancestral village of the Bisegu, which host the event. The village was also selected as the venue because it is famous for its longhouse and is recognised as among the popular tourist destinations in Puncak Borneo.
Puncak Borneo MP, who is also the patron of PSBP, Datuk Willie Mongin said the association is planning to elevate the event to a higher level by opening up its participation to the other Bidayuh tribes, neighbouring villages, and community-based association next year.
Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil, who officiated the event’s opening held at the Awah (open verandah) of the longhouse after the parade, was impressed with the turnout and the widespread support from the village folks, who came out in droves to watch the parade.
He endorsed Willie’s suggestion and even announced funds specifically for PSBP to organise the event next year. The Brarak & Bipajak Gawai must also incorporate more presentations, covering all aspects of the community’s tradition, including cultural dance and practices.
I fully support the suggestions made by both elected representatives and hope that PSBP will take them seriously.
To begin, PSBP should contemplate expanding participation to other Bidayuh tribes, neighbouring villages, and associations in Puncak Borneo.
Additionally, PSBP should engage in close collaboration with stakeholders in the tourism and cultural heritage sectors to orchestrate future editions of the event. Perhaps PSBP should also initiate discussions with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the State Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts, and local travel agencies. The Brarak & Bipajak programme should be established as a fixture on the tourism calendar.
Given the strong response received, there is a significant opportunity for the event, now declared an annual affair by PSBP, to be elevated to a higher level with increased participation from various contingents next year.
Indeed, with the right approach and comprehensive support from all stakeholders, incorporating even international participants into the Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu is entirely feasible.
The event not only showcased the community’s rich cultural heritage but also exemplified the strong unity and camaraderie spirit among all involved.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
