BELAGA – The vibrant cultural spirit of Belaga came alive as the Belaga Regatta 2025 hosted a series of traditional dance competitions that celebrated the rich heritage of the region’s diverse ethnic communities.
One of the regatta’s key highlights was the Suwey, Kesut, and Datun Julut Senior Dance Competitions, featuring enthusiastic participation from longhouses across the Belaga district.
In the Suwey competition, eight groups competed with Uma Kejaman Lasah, Long Segaham (Buvung A) emerging victorious. Uma Sekapan Piit 1 secured second place, while Punan Ba, Rumah Brain claimed third.
For the Kesut competition, nine groups participated. Uma Sekapan Piit clinched the championship, followed by Uma Kejaman Long Segaham (Buvung A) and Uma Kejaman Lasah, Long Segaham (Buvung) in second and third place respectively.
The Senior Datun Julut competition witnessed participation from 10 groups. Temengang Madang from Uma Baha (Sungai Asap) was crowned champion, with Uma Badeng (Sungai Asap) and Julan Amo from Long Amo (Belaga) taking second and third place.
Adding glamour to the event was a special performance by popular Sarawakian artist Ricky Andrewson, alongside a lucky draw that kept the crowd buzzing with excitement.
The prize-giving ceremony was officiated by Murum Assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, with the presence of Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications and Belaga Assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang, and his wife Datin Rosnie Bilang.
The cultural celebration drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 500 spectators, including community leaders, government officials, tribal elders, and visitors from around Sarawak and abroad.
This celebration of traditional arts not only preserves the unique identity of Belaga’s tribal communities but also strengthens bonds among locals and tourists alike, reinforcing the regatta’s role as a cultural cornerstone in Sarawak’s event calendar.
