Sarawak Gendang Festival 2025 Kicks Off With Royal Flair & Cultural Rhythm
KUCHING: The pulse of traditional drums reverberated across the Kuching Waterfront tonight as the Sarawak Gendang Festival 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion, celebrating the State’s dedication to preserving the rich cultural legacy of Melayu Sarawak performing arts.
Adding grandeur to the opening ceremony were the presence of the His Royal Highness Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.
They were joined by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, alongside federal leaders, state cabinet ministers, department heads and honoured guests, were also in attendance to witness the cultural showcase.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said the State’s cultural landscape thrives on traditions shaped and preserved over generations.
“As a state rich in ethnic diversity, Sarawak possesses cultural heritages passed down from generation to generation,” he said, underscoring that the Gendang traditions of Melayu Sarawak remain a treasured art form that must be safeguarded.
He said this heritage is anchored by three main elements: 'Mak Seh Gendang' , traditionally performed by women, 'Tari Bertandak', featuring male dancers known as 'Penandak' or 'Nopeng' and 'Bermukun', a lively exchange of poetic pantun in a “buy-and-sell” style between performers.
“These arts shape the identity of our younger generation and must continue to be learned, preserved and appreciated,” he added.
The festival is supported under the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts’ Dana Mudahcara Warisan grant, which funds heritage-based initiatives across Sarawak.
Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman said this reflects the State Government’s consistent commitment to sustaining cultural continuity through financial aid, advisory support and human resources.
This year’s festival also saw an expanded competition segment, with selection rounds held in divisions such as Bintulu, Miri, Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit and Sibu, giving participants from both rural and urban communities a chance to showcase their skills.
Finalists have now gathered in Kuching for the grand showdown.
Running in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta at the Kuching Waterfront, the festival adds colour and spirit to the city, amplifying cultural awareness and public participation.
Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman stressed that events like this play a significant role in uniting communities across generations through shared appreciation of heritage and identity.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Minister for Utility Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Telecommunication) Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Youth and Sports Development) Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni, and Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Development (Community Wellbeing Development) Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, along with other dignitaries and department heads. -UKASnews
