KUCHING: Sarawak’s economic development must go hand in hand with the preservation of the identity, values and cultural heritage of the state’s indigenous communities, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He said as the state forges ahead to be a developed region by 2030, every Sarawakian must ensure that economic development does not cause the people to forget their cultural roots.
"Instead, it must provide the space for this heritage to continue evolving alongside changing times," he said at the opening of the Borneo Indigenous Festival 2026 here on Friday Nov 13) night.
His address was read by state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abang Johari said in the state’s development blueprint, the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the state government places emphasis on sustainable economic development, social inclusiveness and environmental sustainability.
"In this context, arts, culture and heritage play a vital role in supporting sustainable tourism, strengthening regional identity and creating economic opportunities for local communities.
"We want indigenous communities, including those living in rural and remote areas, to equally benefit from Sarawak’s economic growth.
"Their cultural treasures should not be viewed merely as museum exhibits, but as sources of knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurial opportunities that can be developed responsibly."
Abang Johari said it was therefore his wish to see more of Sarawak's youth engage in the fields of arts and culture, whether as performing artists, digital creators, designers, researchers or creative entrepreneurs.
He said youngsters must be given the opportunity to learn traditional skills from experienced cultural practitioners and develop this creativity through fresh approaches.
"Educational institutions, cultural associations and relevant agencies must strengthen cooperation in providing training, workshops, apprenticeship programs and performance spaces for young talents," he added.
At the same time, he said the smaller and lesser-known communities must also be given proper opportunities to introduce their identity and heritage.
"We must ensure that efforts to preserve cultural heritage are not merely focused on annual events, but become a continuous movement involving the grassroots community.
"When the younger generation understands their own history and culture, they will better appreciate their identity and responsibility to pass it on to future generations."
Abang Johari said the creative industry could be a new source of growth as it holds immense potential to contribute to Sarawak's economic growth through performing arts, music, film, digital content, fashion, design and handicrafts.
He said with the development of a suitable ecosystem, the creativity of local communities can be translated into products and services with commercial value.
As Sarawak is also strengthening its position as a cultural tourism and international events destination, targeting 5.1 million visitor arrivals and RM14bil in tourism revenue by 2027, Abang Johari said he wants local art practitioners and creative entrepreneurs to view cultural heritage as a strength that can be developed without losing its authenticity and core values.
"We must help them improve product quality, strengthen branding, leverage digital marketing, and explore broader markets."
The four-day Borneo Indigenous Festival, from Thursday (Nov 12) to Sunday (Nov 15), is a platform to celebrate the rich arts, culture and heritage of Borneo's indigenous communities.
