BETONG: Rumah Engkeranji was once again bustling with the presence of more than 1,500 people including local and international tourists in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak Open House organised by the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF), now in its third year.

Held on 7 June 2025, the programme was part of the Betong Division Gawai Dayak Festive Celebration 2025 which runs throughout May and June in close collaboration between the local community and the government.

According to Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu who officiated the event, the programme not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak community but also aligns with Sarawak’s tourism policies.

“Let us turn this into a lasting legacy, an annual affair. This is the third year it’s being organised.

“With support from all sides, tourism products like this will thrive and grow into sustainable tourism,” he said in his speech.

He added that the uniqueness of the Gawai Dayak celebration, with its rich customs and traditions, has strong potential to attract more foreign visitors.

In this regard, Dato Gerald highlighted the importance of collaboration with entities such as STF that had successfully attracted 120 international tourists from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Italy through a specially curated tourism package.

Meanwhile, STF Chairperson, Audrey Wan Ulok shared that the ‘3 Days, 2 Nights’ package offered tourists a deep cultural immersion into Iban traditions, including overnight stays at the longhouse, traditional Gawai parade, local feasts, and cultural concert.

The evening was further enlivened by various traditional performances such as the Ngajat dance, Taboh Iban and Gendang Pampat drumming, as well as the Gawai Kaamatan Concert 2025, a fusion of Dayak cultural elements from Sarawak and Sabah featuring participation from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch, in addition to performances by local artist Melissa Francis and renowned sape musician Jerry Kamit.

The programme was supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) and organised in collaboration with the Betong Division Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Committee.

Following this year’s success, STF aims to establish the Gawai Dayak Open House at Rumah Engkeranji as a flagship annual cultural tourism event for Sarawak, further elevating the Dayak heritage as a vital tourism asset for the state.

Also present were Betong Member of Parliament, Dr. Richard Rapu; Momogun National Congress (MNC) President, Tan Sri Wences Angang; and Krian Assemblyman, Friday Belik. -UKASnews