KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the ‘bermukun’ culture, a performing arts tradition that combines dance, drumming, and counter-poetry among the Malays in Borneo, needs to be preserved so that it does not disappear with time.
He said in the past, bermukun was a form of entertainment that was often performed at weddings in the village.
In addition, it is also a medium for singles and unmarried individuals to find a mate.
He said technological advancements should not be a barrier but an opportunity to advance the art of bermukun, ensuring its relevance in the modern era.
“This culture will disappear if we do not preserve it, especially with the influence of alternative media, which is shaping social change,” he said.
He was speaking at the ‘Malam Segulai Sejalai Bermukun Se-Borneo’ at a hotel here last night (Nov 12).
Abang Johari said the Bermukun Se-Borneo programme acts as a bridge to strengthen the art of bermukun across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
“These neighbouring countries share a rich cultural and traditional heritage rooted in common ethnic backgrounds.
“There is no distinction in our culture or performances among Indonesia, particularly Kalimantan, Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei Darussalam.
“Our songs are the same, as is our food — the only difference lies in their names,” he said.
The first Bermukun Se-Borneo event in 2000 was included in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysia, represented by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM); the Republic of Indonesia, represented by Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI); and Brunei, represented by Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB).
This year’s programme ran from Nov 7 to 11 in Kuching, featuring various engaging activities such as Kamboh Nite, a casual cruise programme, and live broadcasts.
