Some members of the delegation pose for a picture at the topography post at the Sarawak border before crossing into Kalimantan, Indonesia. Ugak is seen at fifth left (back row).
KAPIT: Hulu Rajang Member of Parliament Datuk Wilson Ugak recently led a delegation of some 70 members from Kapit on a goodwill visit to Long Nawang, Apau Koyan, Malinau, North Kalimantan in Indonesia.
The delegation arriving at Kalimantan. Ugak is at the centre.
Among them were Ugak’s wife Datin Leyta Kupa, Kapit Deputy Resident Galong Luang, Bukit Mabong district officer Douglas Pungga, councillors Bete Lahang and Stephan Jana, Penghulu Bunsu Geringgang, Penghulu Steward Sawing, Penghulu Undie Bajal, Penghulu Sallang Batang, Penghulu Jampi Raweng, Penghulu Daniel Dian and PRS members from Baleh, Belaga, Belaga, Tubau and Murum.
Ugak (fifth right) poses with the Kenyah leaders from Long Nawang who welcomed them on their arrival. From first, second and third right are Jampi, Galong and Douglas.
The journey began at 10.30am on Dec 14 from the Bletih State Complex in a convoy of 19 4WD vehicles along a logging road in Baleh, reaching Tapak Mega Camp near the border at 7pm where they stayed for the night.
Ugak cuts the ribbon to officially step on Indonesian soil.
They continued their journey at 7.40am the next day to Long Nawang on the other side of the border along a very rugged and slippery road which was challenging and frightening for everyone in the convoy.
They reached the border post at around 10.30am where they were checked by the Indonesian soldiers from Tentera Nasional Indonesia (TNI).
Receiving them half way to Long Nawang was a team of Indonesian traffic police, who escorted them to the welcoming point.
Beautiful Kenyah lasses clad in their traditional wear. They are a mixture of local Kenyah and Dutch who once governed Indonesia before independence.
Upon reaching the welcoming point at 11.30am, they were greeted by a long line of Long Nawang community, numbering about 1,000 led by Pak Camat (customary chief) of Kayan Hulu, Ibau Ala.
Ugak was invited to cut the ribbon to officially allow them to enter the Dewan Adat
Kampung for lunch where they also had a ‘meet the people’ gathering.
In his speech, Ugak explained that the purpose of the
visit was to promote goodwill and friendship among the Dayak (Orang Ulu) communities of Sarawak and North Kalimantan.
He also mentioned that he hoped to see a stop to the illegal entry of Indonesians searching for ‘garu’ wood in Baleh, which is a highly-priced commodity used for making perfume.
Later, they had a pre-Christmas celebration attended by some 1,500 locals.
It is believed the Orang Ulu in Belaga and Tubau were originally from Long Nawang where they have many relatives.
This was Ugak’s first visit to Apau Koyan since becoming the MP for Hulu Rajang in 2013.
The previous Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo used to make a yearly trip to Apau Koyan.
Long Nawang, a ‘Kayan Hulu’ district, is home to some 3,000 Kenyah Badeng of five groupings. It is under the Melinau Region (wilayah).
Members of the delegation pose in front of Taman Mega where they stayed for the night before continuing their journey.