KUCHING – The Sarawak Drum Festival 2025 brought colour, rhythm and cultural pride to the Kuching Waterfront, drawing thousands of visitors and reaffirming the state’s commitment to preserving its multi-ethnic heritage.
The festival opened with the majestic beating of traditional drums, further elevated by the presence of His Majesty the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Her Majesty the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.
Also in attendance were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, alongside state dignitaries and community leaders.
In his opening address, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, highlighted the importance of safeguarding Sarawak’s cultural traditions.
“As a multi-racial state, Sarawak has traditions and arts that are symbols of its community’s identity. Among the highly valued heritage is the Sarawak Malay drum tradition, which must be preserved so that it remains fresh in the minds of the younger generation,” he said.
He explained that the drum tradition is rooted in three elements: ‘Mak Seh Gendang’, performed by women; ‘Tari Bertandak’, a dance by male performers known as Penandak or Nopeng; and ‘Bermukun’, a lively exchange of pantun verses in a call-and-response style.
The 2025 edition introduced an expanded competition segment, with preliminary rounds held in Bintulu, Miri, Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit and Sibu, before finalists converged in Kuching for the grand finale.
Supported by the Heritage Facilitation Fund under the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, the festival underscored the government’s commitment to cultural continuity through funding, advisory services and workforce support.
Held in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta, the festival added vibrancy to the Kuching Waterfront, strengthening community participation and cultural pride.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival also delivered a positive economic impact. Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman noted that large-scale events such as this directly benefit small traders, food vendors, accommodation providers and micro-enterprises, often doubling their revenue.
He added that the festival’s ability to attract both local and international visitors boosted tourism and showcased Sarawak’s cultural richness to a wider audience.
“Platforms like this are vital in positioning Borneo’s cultural identity on the world stage by 2030. With continuous guidance, access to technology and entrepreneurial training, our creative industry players will be able to shine globally,” he said.
The event was further enlivened by the presence of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, along with senior state leaders including Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Datuk Liwan Lagang, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam.
The Sarawak Drum Festival 2025 not only celebrated the state’s cultural heritage but also reinforced its role as a driver of tourism and economic growth, ensuring that traditional arts remain relevant while contributing to modern development.
