BAU – The Ngaruom Rami Borneo 2026 programme, themed “United by Heritage, Celebrate Through Culture”, was held at the Bau Culture Centre on 23 June, bringing together communities from Sarawak and Kalimantan in a vibrant celebration of kinship, culture, and heritage.
The event was officiated by Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Transport (Sea and Rivers) and Tasik Biru Assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
In his speech, he highlighted Bau’s historical significance as Sarawak’s only gold mining district, with operations dating back to 1820.
He noted that this legacy remains a source of pride for the local community and continues to shape Bau’s identity today.
Datuk Henry stressed that programmes such as Ngaruom Rami Borneo serve as vital platforms to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
He added that the planned establishment of a Sarawak office in Pontianak would further enhance economic relations and strategic collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia.
“I would like to thank all the delegations and visitors who are willing to accept the invitation to visit Bau and hope that this relationship and cooperation can continue and be strengthened in the future,” he said.
The President of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, described the Bau Culture Centre as a new landmark for the Bidayuh community.
He explained that the centre would host various activities to benefit locals while serving as a platform to preserve and showcase Bau’s cultural heritage for future generations.
“DBNA will continue to strive to preserve and manage the Bau Culture Centre so that it becomes a community meeting centre as well as a platform to showcase the heritage and cultural treasures of the Bau district,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr Abdullah Zulkifli, praised the programme as a meaningful initiative to strengthen ties among Borneo’s communities.
He expressed hope that cooperation between Sarawak and Sanggau, Kalimantan, would continue to grow, benefiting both sides.
“We are always ready to support productive cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia in order to ensure that the brotherhood that has been established for a long time is maintained and becomes closer in the future,” he said.
The event was enlivened by cultural performances from both Sarawak and Indonesia, featuring traditional music, dance, and artistic displays.
These performances highlighted the diversity and richness of Borneo’s cultural heritage, reflecting the spirit of unity and mutual appreciation shared by the communities.
The Ngaruom Rami Borneo 2026 programme underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering stronger ties across borders.
It also reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to celebrating its heritage while building bridges with neighbouring regions in Kalimantan.
