Buying a 'footprint' of Sarawak culture at 2022 RWMF

By Rozlin Rusharmeen Rosmin

KUCHING, June 18 (Bernama) -- Apart from bringing home fond memories of the 2022 Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), visitors can buy handicraft at the festival as 'proof' -- a footprint -- of their physical presence at the iconic Sarawak festival.

A survey by Bernama found that handicraft and food kiosks were also a big draw for celebrants, especially for the curious who appreciate the culture of the various races found in Bumi Kenyalang (Land of Hornbills).

A Raben Beads handicraft entrepreneur, Danielle Lipang Lawai, 47, said RWMF which is an attraction for local and foreign tourists, helps local entrepreneurs to promote their products.

“This bead is very synonymous with my Kelabit tribe. We make beads as daily accessories or for attending ceremonies, so from there, my interest arose in modernising these beaded accessories and started selling them seven years ago.

“My business is all online now, so events like this give us a way to open kiosks. This is my fifth year joining RWMF and I think the crowd is not that bad actually since not so many tourists came compared to previous years due to the COVID-19 (pandemic),” she told Bernama.

Hailing from Kampung Long Napir located in Limbang about 1,064 km from here, the mother of two said she made her own earring accessories and beaded necklaces.

Lipang said during the last RWMF, her income reached RM5,000 and such festivals really help online traders like her with a physical presence.

Apart from accessories and handicraft patterned with pua kumbu motif and woven baskets, visitors to the festival can also savour ethnic food.

Visitors can enjoy Bidayuh food at Awah Cafe booth which is located outside Rumah Bidayuh in the Sarawak Cultural Village, which is the site of this festival.

A co-owner of Awah Cafe, Ojong Simuh, 65, said menus such as Dayak eggplant, ayam (chicken) pansuh and fried tempoyak (fermented durian) are culinary attractions to tourists at home and abroad.

“I expected the crowd to be lesser but so far I am satisfied with the number of visitors. Since my booth is outside the Baruk (ceremonial house) and in Rumah Bidayuh, people can experience Bidayuh culture upclose.

"As the festival this time is held both hybrid and physically, we expect a total income of RM20,000 compared to the previous RM30,000," he said.

Themed ‘25th Legendary Rainforest Celebration’, the festival, which runs from June 17 to 19, features musicians from countries including China, Australia, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, the United States and Vietnam.

-- BERNAMA