Abang Johari tries his hand at the traditional method of crushing sugarcane to extract its juice at a demonstration during the opening of the Bidayuh Cultural Centre. Also seen (from left) are Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah and Henry. — Photo by Kong Jun Lung
BAU (June 22): The newly opened RM9 million Bidayuh Cultural Centre (BCC) will serve as a hub for cultural, social and economic activities while preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Bidayuh community, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the centre’s officiating ceremony on Monday, he said the facility provides a dedicated space for the community to gather and organise cultural programmes that reflect the customs and traditions unique to Bau, where the majority of the population is Bidayuh.
“You (can) show your culture. You (can) show how you interact among yourselves, and you can show your talent,” he said, adding that the strong unity among the people of Bau could serve as a model for other communities.
Abang Johari also quipped that while many people associate “BCC” with the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Bau now has its own BCC, joking that it could even be called “BCCB” for Bidayuh Cultural Centre Bau.
He said the centre would provide the community with a proper venue for cultural activities and other gatherings instead of relying on temporary tents.
“There’s no need for us to put up tents anymore. Even wedding receptions are held under tents. The bride and groom come dressed beautifully, but under the hot sun they’re sweating and all the make-up is gone. Now we can use this centre as a wedding venue,” he said.
The Premier also revealed that the project had been delayed in its early years due to funding constraints.
He recalled that Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep had first proposed the project during the tenure of the late former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“Henry tried to start this project with the late Tok Nan, but at that time there wasn’t enough money. When he came to me, I already had plans to increase the state’s revenue, so I told him, ‘Go ahead, you build it,’” he said.
He added that the centre could also be used to exhibit local handicrafts and cultural products for visitors, helping to promote tourism while providing opportunities for the local community.
Abang Johari said the cultural centre complements the Greater Bau development plan, which outlines long-term sector-by-sector development for the district.
He said the Sarawak government fully supports the initiative through the Greater Kuching Development Agency (GKDA), which has been allocated RM1.5 billion to implement development projects.
Earlier, Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the BCC was envisioned not merely as a community hall but as a cultural landmark symbolising the identity, heritage and unity of the Bidayuh community in Bau.
He said the facility comprises a multipurpose hall that can accommodate more than 1,000 people, exhibition space, meeting facilities and a traditional baruk, which serves as a symbol of Bidayuh identity and heritage.
“Today, that dream has finally become a reality,” he said, referring to the long-held aspiration of the Bidayuh community in Bau to have its own cultural centre.
“For me, true progress is when we are able to move forward without losing our identity and our cultural roots. BCC stands as a reflection of that commitment,” he added.
Henry added that the centre had already hosted programmes such as the Bau Gawai Parade, youth activities and education carnivals, demonstrating its role as a community hub and catalyst for cultural empowerment, youth development and human capital development in Bau.
He said the facility would also support efforts to position Bau as a leading cultural and heritage tourism destination in Sarawak.
