20 Mac 2025, Nanga Tekalit, Tatau, Bintulu – A significant community-driven initiative is currently underway in the heart of Sarawak to preserve and revitalise traditional bamboo crafts. The Kraf Bagiau – Sustainability of Engkalat Bamboo Craft in Nanga Tekalit, Tatau, Bintulu project aims to empower local artisans, establish sustainable markets, and implement environmentally friendly harvesting practices for Engkalat bamboo.
Funded by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia and coordinated by the University Sustainability Centre of UNIMAS, this initiative is part of Program Pemerkasaan Komuniti Universiti Awam (Komuniti@UniMADANI) Fasa 2. The project commenced on 1st July 2024 and has been extended to 31st March 2025, with a closing ceremony set for 15th April, 2025.
Empowering Artisans Through Sustainable Development
Spearheaded by a dedicated team of experts, the project is led by Dr. Ringah Kanyan, with support from Associate Professor Dr. Faridah Sahari (Materials Expert), Dr. Daniel Ugih Echoh (Marketing), Dr. Emmanuel Osakue (Production), Dr. Mohd Najib Abdullah Sani (Production), Dr. Nur Auni Ugong (Online Marketing), and Mohd Sufian Suhaili (Technician). Their collective mission is to revive the traditional craft of Buluh Engkalat, a small-diameter bamboo species integral to Iban heritage but facing a decline due to the rise of modern synthetic alternatives.
Through hands-on training, local artisans are learning contemporary craft techniques while preserving traditional weaving methods. The initiative has also profiled artisans across five communities, identifying their skills and mentoring them to sustain this heritage craft.
Government Support and Future Aspirations
On 14 Mac 2025, the project team, led by Dr. Ringah Kanyan, paid a courtesy visit to YB Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Minister in the Sarawak Premier Office and ADUN N.60 Kakus. The visit aimed to extend an official invitation for him to officiate the closing ceremony of the Kraf Bagiau project, underscoring the importance of government support in sustaining traditional crafts and rural economies.
The Kraf Bagiau project not only seeks to safeguard the cultural identity of the Iban community but also to create economic opportunities for those who have migrated to urban areas, encouraging them to return as craft entrepreneurs. By integrating sustainable harvesting practices, the initiative ensures the preservation of bamboo resources for future generations while fostering eco-friendly economic growth.
As the project nears its final phase, the community of Nanga Tekalit stands as a testament to how tradition and modern innovation can coexist. This initiative proves that heritage-based crafts can thrive in today’s competitive market, serving as a model for community-driven sustainability efforts while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak and its potential for economic empowerment.
Photos and text by Dr Louis Ringah Kanyan, Dean for the Faculty of Applied & Creative Arts UNIMAS