ULU BARAM – The three-day Dau Pengida Penan 2025 festival, held from 9 to 12 December in Ba’ Muboi, Ulu Baram, concluded with vibrant participation and strong community support.
The event drew around 400 residents and visitors, highlighting the resilience and cultural richness of the Penan people.
The programme was designed to celebrate and safeguard the traditions of the Penan, one of Sarawak’s indigenous groups known for their deep connection to the rainforest.
Historically recognised as one of the last nomadic hunter-gatherer societies in Southeast Asia, the Penan have long practised sustainable living through customs such as molong, which emphasises taking only what is necessary from nature.
Today, festivals like Dau Pengida Penan serve as vital platforms to preserve these values while adapting to modern challenges.
Beyond cultural preservation, the festival also promoted community fitness and recreational activities. Residents of all ages joined in folk sports, traditional music performances, and culinary showcases featuring local dishes.
The involvement of government agencies, private organisations, and community leaders underscored the collaborative spirit of the event.
The socio-economic impact was equally significant. Local entrepreneurs and artisans displayed handicrafts and home-produced goods, which were well received by attendees.
This not only provided income opportunities but also encouraged younger generations to value traditional craftsmanship.
Similar initiatives across Sarawak, such as the Baram Basin Indigenous Cultural Festival and the Bidayuh Cultural and Musical Festival, have shown how cultural events can boost tourism and strengthen local economies.
The Dau Pengida Penan 2025 festival also reinforced community bonds. By bringing together diverse groups within Ulu Baram, the programme created space for dialogue, cooperation, and shared pride in heritage.
According to cultural researchers, such gatherings are essential in sustaining indigenous identity in regions where modernisation and deforestation continue to challenge traditional ways of life.
Among those present were Telang Usan District Officer Ezra Uda, representatives from Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petronas SSGP, as well as respected community leaders including Pemanca Henesser Uning Bong and several area chiefs.
Their attendance reflected institutional support for cultural sustainability and recognition of the Penan’s role in Sarawak’s diverse heritage.
The festival’s success demonstrates how cultural events can serve as both a celebration of identity and a mechanism for community empowerment.
As Sarawak continues to promote tourism and cultural awareness, initiatives like Dau Pengida Penan 2025 highlight the importance of preserving indigenous traditions while fostering unity and economic resilience.
