EXPLAINING: Kadrie showing a jong he made while telling the audience how to make one.
KUCHING: Kadrie Bogol made full use of his 20-year service at the Bau fire station by learning the art of making jongs (a type of small boat).
He hails from Sibu and grew up in Kampung Keranji, Bau.
On Tuesday, he shared his experience and expertise during a talk at the State Library with the hope of passing on his knowledge to the younger generation.
He spoke to an audience of over 70 people from various government departments, including Sarawak Museum Department, Sarawak Forest Department, Sarawak Information System Sdn Bhd and students of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak campus.
Kadrie, 50, now a senior fire fighter serving at the fire station in Jalan Sultan Tengah Petra Jaya here said he joined several jong regattas and have won several prizes.
He said in 2010, he won first prize for the most beautiful jong, while in 2011 he won second prize in a jong competition and was the winner in the best jong model category.
On the type of wood used for making jongs, he said ‘Pelaiee’ (Pulai) wood, which is left dry for a few months, is suitable.
He explained that the wood is lighter and easier to shape if it is left to dry for a few months.
“It needs a lot of patience and passion to make a jong look beautiful. As a hobby, it is rewarding when we sell it from RM800 to few thousands,” he said.
According to Kadrie, jong competitions started during the British colony era in the 1950s and since then has become a community event held annually at Tasik Biru.
He is also a member of the Persatuan Pelukis Sarawak and the State Library bought a few of his painting for its Sarawakiana collection.