KUCHING: The Bermukun Se-Borneo 2024 programme serves as a platform to strengthen the art of bermukun across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam, uniting the three nations in their shared cultural heritage.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said these neighbouring countries share distinct traditions and cultures with their people coming from the same roots.
“There are no differences in culture or performances between Indonesia, particularly Kalimantan, Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei Darussalam.
“Our singing styles are the same, as is our cuisine, with the only difference being in the names,” he said when speaking at the Malam Segulai Sejalai Bermukun Se-Borneo 2024 event held here on Monday.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said technological advancements should not be a hindrance but rather an opportunity to promote the art of bermukun to ensure its relevance in the modern era.
“This cultural heritage will be lost if it is not preserved, especially with the emergence of alternative platforms that significantly impact social changes,” he added.
The inaugural Bermukun Se-Borneo, held 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 Darussalam represented by Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB).
This year's programme which took place from November 7 to 11 in Kuching featured various exciting activities, including Kamboh Nite, the Santai Cruise Programme, and live broadcasts on SARAWAKfm and RTMKlik Facebook pages.
The event aims to continue empowering efforts to preserve cultural arts in line with RTM's mission to enhance the nation’s broadcasting programmes.
Also present were Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Director-General of Broadcasting (Strategic), Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Dr. Raden Sigit Witjaksono, Sarawak Police Commissioner, Dato Mancha Ata, Deputy Consul General of Brunei Darussalam, Thomas Ling, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
