BINTULU – The Bintulu Division of the Public Works Department (JKR) has been recognised with the prestigious Jury’s Choice Award following their standout performance in the Community Parade at the Borneo International Kite Festival (BIKF) 2026.
The accolade was announced on 23 July 2026, capping off a vibrant display of civic pride and organisational discipline that captivated both local spectators and international visitors.
More than forty personnel from the department took part in the procession, which served as a colourful centrepiece of the festival’s cultural programme.
Their participation was not merely ceremonial but reflected a deliberate effort to embody the values of unity, volunteerism, and active community engagement.
Dressed in coordinated attire and marching with precision, the contingent projected a professional image that resonated strongly with the thousands gathered along the parade route.
The Jury’s Choice Award is particularly significant as it is determined by independent adjudicators based on criteria such as creativity, teamwork, presentation, and overall spirit.
Winning this honour highlights the exceptional dedication of the JKR staff, who balanced their demanding public service duties with extensive rehearsal and preparation for the event. Their enthusiasm and disciplined execution clearly left a lasting impression on the judging panel.
This achievement underscores the department’s broader commitment to supporting international-class events that elevate Bintulu’s profile as a tourist destination.
By stepping beyond their traditional infrastructure roles, civil servants demonstrated how government agencies can play a vital part in fostering social cohesion and cultural celebration. Such involvement helps bridge the gap between public institutions and the communities they serve.
The BIKF 2026 Community Parade itself was a testament to Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity, bringing together participants from various government bodies, local associations, and international delegations.
Each group contributed unique performances and displays, creating a tapestry of heritage and modernity that defines the state’s identity. Within this diverse lineup, the JKR contingent’s structured yet spirited presentation stood out as a model of institutional excellence.
Observers noted that the department’s participation also reinforced key pillars of effective public service delivery: cooperation, unity, and team spirit. These values are essential not only for successful parades but also for the day-to-day execution of development projects across the division.
Aligning these principles with the Sarawak government’s vision for progressive, inclusive, and sustainable development, the JKR team turned a festive occasion into a demonstration of administrative ethos.
The parade formed part of a wider array of activities at BIKF 2026, which included kite-flying competitions, cultural exhibitions, entrepreneurial bazaars, and community performances.
Together, these elements have solidified Bintulu’s reputation as a dynamic and welcoming city that celebrates both its natural assets and human capital.
The festival continues to attract global attention, showcasing Sarawak’s ability to host world-class events while maintaining authentic local character.
For the JKR personnel involved, the award is a source of immense pride and motivation. It validates their willingness to go above and beyond routine responsibilities to contribute to communal joy and regional promotion.
Such initiatives foster a sense of ownership and belonging among civil servants, reinforcing their role as stewards of both infrastructure and social well-being.
Looking ahead, the success of this year’s parade sets a high benchmark for future editions of BIKF. Other agencies may now be inspired to raise their own standards of participation, further enriching the festival’s collaborative spirit.
Meanwhile, the JKR Bintulu Division’s achievement serves as a reminder that public service extends far beyond roads and bridges; it encompasses the very fabric of community life.
As the festival draws to a close, the legacy of this year’s Community Parade will endure through strengthened inter-agency ties and renewed civic enthusiasm.
The Jury’s Choice Award may be a singular trophy, but its true value lies in the enduring spirit of togetherness it represents, a spirit that continues to define Bintulu and Sarawak at large.
