By Sarawak Daily 
KUCHING – The 22nd edition of the Sri Aman Benak Festival (Pesta Benak), scheduled to take place from 19 to 21 September 2025, will carry the theme “Explore the Uniqueness and Challenges of the Benak Phenomenon in Batang Lupar, Sri Aman.”
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, who is also the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Simanggang, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, revealed the theme during a courtesy visit to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at the Sarawak State Palace on Wednesday.
Datuk Francis stated that the chosen theme is aimed at promoting the Benak phenomenon—a rare tidal bore that occurs in the Batang Lupar River—as both a unique tourism attraction and a subject of scientific interest. The Benak, which is observed in only a handful of rivers worldwide, is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors to Sri Aman.
Held along the banks of the Sri Aman River, the festival will feature a variety of cultural performances, exhibitions, water sports, and entertainment events designed to showcase the richness of local heritage.
During the meeting, Datuk Francis also extended an official invitation to Tun Pehin Sri and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, to officiate the festival’s closing ceremony on 21 September.
Tun Pehin Sri expressed his appreciation for the organising committee’s dedication in promoting Sri Aman through the annual festival. He also voiced hope that the Benak Festival would continue to evolve into an event of international calibre.
Also in attendance were Sri Aman Divisional Resident Mahra Salleh, Sri Aman District Officer Shariff Bujang, and senior officers from the District Council, government agencies, and the Sri Aman Divisional Resident’s Office.
The Benak Festival remains one of Sarawak’s most unique and celebrated events, merging natural wonder with cultural vibrancy.