This year’s Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) in Sibu, Sarawak, promises more excitement with performances by local and foreign troupes.
The event, scheduled for July 3 to 12 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, is themed “The Rhythm of Borneo”.
“The theme represents the harmony of culture, nature and unique way of life of the people of Borneo.
“It reflects three core elements − traditional culture and music, the rhythm of nature, and identity and tourism,” said Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley.
The festival is set to showcase diverse cultural performances from the Dayak, Malay-Melanau, Chinese and Lun Bawang communities, and also feature special guest performers from West Java, Indonesia and India, he said.
“BCF serves as a platform to celebrate diversity, strengthen community ties and bring the rhythm of Borneo to the global stage,” Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar, who is also the event’s organising chairperson, said at a press conference.
He said the event mascot, the clouded leopard (known as “engkuli” to the Dayaks), also played a role in promoting awareness of endangered wildlife, especially species that are rare in Borneo.
The rare, majestic creature symbolised the rich natural and cultural heritage of Borneo, he added.
BCF 2025 is also expected to feature a mini cultural village offering visitors an immersive experience of Sarawak’s diverse cultures, architecture and way of life, particularly those of ethnic communities in and around Sibu.
Entry to BCF 2025 is free.
