SDNU, DBNA invited to Gawai Dayak celebration in West Kalimantan

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KUCHING: Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) have been invited to a Gawai Dayak celebration at Sanggau in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Organised by their counterpart across the border, Dewan Adat Dayak (DAD), the four-day event starting July 6 will feature cultural and traditional dances and games.

Just like in Sarawak, Gawai Dayak is also an annual event in Sanggau.

“Since 2009, SDNU has been so grateful to be listed in the invited list of DAD Sanggau. Therefore, SDNU is so honoured and would like to thank DAD Sanggau under the chairmanship of Bapak Drs F Andeng Suseno M Si for their invitation,” said SDNU vice- chairman Anthony Banyan.

He said the state Social Development Ministry supported the event and trip to West Kalimantan.

“This year, Gawai celebration in Sanggau will be a memorable one because it will be the first time it will be held at a new premises or new Rumah Betang,” said Anthony.

The closing ceremony will be held at Rumah Betang Raya Doroe’k Empulor where the hosts and visitors will bid farewell to each other.

SDNU members and other registered participants will depart Kuching for Tebedu this Friday at 8.30am. The venue for departure will be at Boulevard shopping mall premises.

The visitors will be welcomed with traditional setting at a dinner held by DAD at 7.30pm in Sanggau.

The public may also contact Spencer Birai (SDNU executive secretary) at 010-8320432 or Anthony at 019-8884800 for clarification and detailed information.