KUCHING, June 25 — The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) headquarters building at Jalan Kumpang, Off Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here is now equipped with a museum to showcase the Bidayuh community’s culture and heritage.

The soft launch of the museum was officiated by Sarawak Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong yesterday in conjunction with DBNA’s triennial general assembly (TGA).

DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said the idea of having the museum was to enable members of the public to learn more about the Sarawak’s Bidayuh community once the museum is fully ready by year’s end.

Pahon said the association was still collecting feedback to improve the museum, which would benefit the community ,especially for those who wanted to conduct research on the Bidayuh community.

“One of the purposes for this ’Baruk’ or traditional Bidayuh round house is to make it as a collection centre for culture and heritage of the Bidayuhs.

“In the past two to three years, we have been looking at all our files and archives, to see what are the relevant documents that are relevant to DBNA which we can exhibit, and we have also set up a special committee on this,” he said.

He said the museum is more pictorial (in its presentation), to relate how the association started in 1955, who were the leaders then, the programmes and activities done by them and how the community had progressed.

Plans to expand the content of the museum will include a map showing the population and demographic distribution of the Bidayuh, as well as to feature photos and biodata of successful members of the Bidayuh community.

“This is so that anybody coming to DBNA can have a glimpse of the general population and the villages of our community. We are also looking at featuring those Bidayuhs who have contributed in politics, social, economy, sports and performing arts/ entertainment.

“These high achievers, including our Olympiad Pandelela Rinong and Miss Malaysia/ World Dewi Seriestha, are the pride of the community and we want to motivate the younger generation,” he added.

Meanwhile Pahon retained his post uncontested at yesterday’s TGA. —Bernama