KUCHING – Sarawak’s rich textile heritage was celebrated on 27 November 2025 with the presentation of the memorial book “The Revival of Songket & Keringkam Sarawak: Honouring Datuk Amar Juma’ani”.
The ceremony paid tribute to Datuk Amar Juma’ani’s lifelong dedication to elevating the traditional arts of songket and keringkam.
The event was attended by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, accompanied by his daughter Puan Dayang Norjihan binti Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari.
The memory book documents Datuk Amar Juma’ani’s journey, expertise, and commitment to ensuring that Sarawak’s textile traditions remain relevant for future generations.
A symbolic handover of the book was carried out by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts YB Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who presented it to the Premier as a gesture of recognition for Datuk Amar Juma’ani’s contributions.
Following the ceremony, the Premier and his children toured the Textile Showcase & Heritage 2025 at Dewan Sri Sarawak, which featured a wide range of exhibits.
Displays included traditional songket and keringkam, ethnic weaving, and innovative textile designs that reflect the evolving creativity of Sarawak’s artisans.
The exhibition highlighted both the finesse of Sarawak’s heritage arts and the determination of industry players to sustain traditional handicrafts through innovation and commercialisation.
It underscored the importance of balancing cultural preservation with modern development, ensuring that these art forms continue to thrive in contemporary society.
The event concluded with an informal session between the Premier and textile artisans, symbolising the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting cultural heritage.
The Premier reaffirmed that traditional arts remain a vital asset in shaping Sarawak’s identity and strengthening its multi-cultural fabric.
This tribute to Datuk Amar Juma’ani reflects Sarawak’s broader vision of safeguarding its artistic legacy while encouraging new generations to embrace and innovate upon traditional crafts.
