KUCHING: The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) has taken on the management of Fort Lily in Betong and Fort Sylvia in Kapit, marking a pivotal step in preserving and showcasing Dayak cultural heritage.
In announcing this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said he has considered collecting tangible and intangible assets after seeing the under-utilisation of the two forts.
“We come up with the idea of collecting all these tangible and intangible assets, not only the Iban (but) all other communities, put it there and can be a tourist attraction and educational (use) for the younger generation,” he said.
Uggah pointed out that displaying Dayak artefacts in the two forts would preserve the community’s identity.
“Our lifestyles have changed and become more modern, we have migrated to the city, we don’t do farming anymore.
“And you find (that) not many people can do puak weaving, it’s very difficult, if you want to know more (of) the value (and) the standard you can ask Tan Sri Empiang Jabu,” he told reporters after attending the Iban Cultural Heritage Symposium and Expo 2024 at Dayak Cultural Foundation Headquarters on Monday (June 24).
Earlier in his speech, Uggah had appealed to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who was present to officiate the event to allow DCF be part of the upgrading of Fort Lily and Fort Sylvia.
“The centres will house and preserve artefacts, documents, artworks, and other cultural items, ensuring their protection for future generations.
“I understand that the Sarawak Museum Department is in the midst of upgrading Fort Lily in Betong and Fort Sylvia in Kapit. I have just spoken to the Museum director. Today we appeal to (the) Premier to allow DCF to be part of the upgrading programme of Fort Lily and Fort Slyvia,” he said.
Later during the event, Abang Johari gave the green light to Uggah’s request to house the tangible and intangible artefacts at the two forts.
Uggah reiterated that the objective is to enable DCF to collect and display Iban artefacts in these two forts.
