Written by Dr Nur Auni Ugong & Dr Tracy Peter Samat
The cultural landscapes of Borneo are shaped by centuries of interwoven histories, identities, and indigenous knowledge systems. Yet, despite their richness, meaningful opportunities for direct engagement with local cultures remain limited for many students and members of the public. In response to this gap, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), through the course Culture and Ethnicity in Borneo (SSY2023), undertook a significant community engagement initiative entitled “Community Engagement and Cultural Exploration.” Held at the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre and supported by the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), the programme brought together academia and local communities in an immersive exploration of Bidayuh heritage.
The event was officiated by Mr Eddy anak Nayoi, Bau District Officer, and witnessed the participation of 146 undergraduate students from the Anthropology and Sociology Programme alongside more than 100 community members from Kampung Tembawang Baru, Kampung Jagoi, Kampung Singai, and surrounding villages. Coordinated by Dr Nur Auni Ugong and Dr Tracy Peter Samat, the programme embodied UNIMAS’ commitment to cultural sustainability, heritage education, and the empowerment of indigenous communities.
Centred on the theme “Bidayuh Cultural Heritage,” the programme featured a series of expert lectures by distinguished Bidayuh leaders who offered students a nuanced understanding of the community’s past, present, and future. Pengulu Ranit Anak Rujah opened the discourse by contextualising the foundations of Bidayuh cultural identity, emphasising the long-standing traditions, belief systems, and social structures that have shaped the community across generations. This was followed by Mr Joseph Jindy Anak Peter Rosen, Vice President of DBNA and Secretary of the Bung Bratak Heritage Association, who traced the historical roots of Bidayuh culture, highlighting its resilience amid colonial transformations and modernisation pressures. Temenggong Atok Anak Derop then spoke on contemporary Bidayuh experiences, shedding light on issues of cultural negotiation, identity continuity, and the social changes faced by Bidayuh communities today. The final session, delivered by Mr Eddy anak Nayoi, addressed the future directions of Bidayuh heritage, outlining the importance of cultural governance, youth involvement, and sustainable community-based initiatives.
These intellectual exchanges were complemented by a vibrant cultural exhibition that showcased traditional beads, musical instruments, traditional costume, dances, games, artworks, and reinterpretations of Bidayuh culture through digital media. Students were not merely observers but active participants, engaging with community members to understand the meanings embedded within each cultural element. The exhibition served as an experiential learning space where tangible and intangible aspects of heritage converged, enabling students to recognise the depth, complexity, and creativity inherent in Bidayuh cultural expressions.
Equally impactful was the cultural exchange session, where both students and community members presented performances that reflected shared cultural appreciation and reciprocal learning. Through dance, storytelling, and artistic demonstrations, participants experienced culture not as a distant academic subject but as a living practice grounded in collective memory, communal pride, and intergenerational continuity.
A significant component of the programme involved hands-on community work at the Bung Bratak Heritage Centre. Students contributed to cultural site maintenance, documentation activities, and other heritage-support efforts, reinforcing the idea that cultural preservation is a shared responsibility. Such participation enabled students to develop a deeper sense of cultural empathy, while empowering the community to articulate their heritage aspirations in partnership with the university.
This initiative was rooted in a preliminary needs assessment conducted earlier in the semester, which revealed that while public interest in Borneo’s diverse cultures is high, access to structured heritage engagement remains limited. By directly involving students and villagers in the processes of cultural learning and knowledge transfer, the programme addressed this need through three primary channels: expert-led lectures, experiential exhibitions, and participatory cultural exchanges. Together, these interactions fostered a richer understanding of ethnic diversity, dismantled stereotypes, and highlighted the interconnectedness between cultural identity, social cohesion, and sustainable community development.
The benefits of the programme extend beyond academic immersion. For local communities, the documentation of cultural practices provides a valuable resource for long-term preservation efforts. It also supports community-based economic opportunities tied to cultural tourism and creative industries, thereby enhancing local livelihoods. For students, the experience strengthened their analytical skills, cultural awareness, and appreciation of indigenous worldviews, aligning with UNIMAS’ holistic approach to education. The insights gained from the initiative also offer potential contributions to policy discussions on cultural rights, land stewardship, and social inclusion.
Ultimately, this university–community partnership reflects UNIMAS’ dedication to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The programme stands as a testament to how academic institutions can serve as catalysts for cultural continuity, social empowerment, and collaborative heritage stewardship.
Through this initiative, Bidayuh cultural heritage is not only celebrated but revitalised, reminding students and communities alike that culture is a living legacy to be nurtured, shared, and sustained for generations to come.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change