KUCHING: The tradition of bergendang and bermukun which is unique to Sarawak should be perpetuated for posterity.
On its part the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts will therefore support the organisation of Festival Gendang Sarawak.
Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the festival would foster the art, heritage, tradition, and culture of bergendang and bermukun, adding that it should be highlighted because its own aesthetic values and uniqueness.
“In fact through this platform, it provides space for leaders and the community to foster better relations through friendly and face to face engagements.
“It also provides space to further diversify the elements of arts and culture through the philosophy of harmonious living and based on spiritual elements,” he said at the launching of Festival Gendang Sarawak at Kuching Waterfront on Saturday (Feb 26).
Abdul Karim disclosed that the Festival Gendang Sarawak is an annual programme since 2013 which has been receiving encouraging response in terms of audience participation and involvement.
The Festival Gendang is organised for the first time outside of Kuala Lumpur and a first in Kuching in conjunction with the Citrawarna Keluarga Malaysia 2022.
“We are very lucky because the tradition of bergendang and bermukun is still practiced in almost every part of Sarawak. The tradition of bergendang and bermukun only exists in Sarawak and not in other states,” he said.
As such, he urged Sarawakians to continue upholding and ensuring the tradition of bergendang is passed on to the future generations.
“Customary heritage and tradition needs to move in line with the increasingly challenging currents of globalisation so it continues be part of the people’s identity. We should emulate developed countries with traditional arts and culture still very intact and well preserved.
“It is arts and culture that makes a country balanced in its progress as the community continues to appreciate the values and norms,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that it is appropriate for the people of Sarawak who know their traditions, arts and culture to preserve and further enhance existing knowledge.
“This is to ensure that the current young generation can become a guide for future generations. I hope that programmes like this will continue to get good support from the local community,” he said.
