Sarawak Serumpun Night - Kaltara in Long Nawang, Datuk Wilson and Wagub Ingkong Ala Kompak Dance

LONG NAWANG - The Sarawak (Malaysia) community evening with the Apau Kayan Border residents in Long Nawang, Kayan Hulu sub-district, Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan (Kaltara) was lively and full of warmth on Wednesday (25/3/2026) evening.

The activity to strengthen community relations in the Indonesian-Malaysian border area is even more special when the Deputy Minister of Digital Sarawak, Datuk Wilson Uga Anak Kumbong, who is also the native son of the Iban Dayak, performed the traditional Iban Dayak dance. The wife, Datin Lita, also danced, adding to the atmosphere with the distinctive culture of Sarawak.

Equally interesting, the Deputy Governor (Wagub) of Kaltara, Ingkong Ala, took part by performing a typical Kenyah Dayak dance.

His third appearance became a strong symbol of kinship between the people of Sarawak and North Kalimantan.

Their performance on the cultural stage was greeted with cheers by hundreds of Dayak tribes from Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and the local indigenous people.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Digital, Datuk Wilson Uga Anak Kumbong said this moment reflected the emotional closeness and common cultural roots in the border region. He also linked the importance of cultural preservation with the development of the digital age.

"Technological advances should be a means to introduce and preserve cultural heritage, not to destroy it," said Wilson.

"In today's digital era, culture should not be lost. We should raise it to a digital platform so that it is more widely known, especially by the younger generation," he continued.

He also hopes that the Dayak culture, especially the Kenyah Dayak, will continue to be maintained and passed down as a strong identity in the midst of globalization.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of North Maluku, Ingkong Ala, emphasized that culture is the main adhesive of community relations at the border that must continue to be preserved.

"This momentum not only strengthens social and cultural relations, but also strengthens the commitment to cross-country cooperation, especially in the development of border areas," said Ingkong.

Ingkong hopes that through this sisterly night, the relationship between Sarawak and Kaltara will be stronger.

"This is proof that we are one and committed to jointly preserving cultural heritage while utilizing it in the digital era as the identity of the border community," he concluded.

To note, this evening of familiarity was filled with traditional art performances, ethnic music, a warm and family atmosphere seen from the interaction between the Sarawak delegation and the Kaltara Provincial Government.

Also present were the Resident of the Kapit Division, Elvis Anak Didit, the Resident of the Miri Division, Galong Anak Luan, the Bukit Mabong District Officer, Jabang Anak Juntan, and the Kanowit District Officer, Cerislogo Anak Sabut, as well as the Kapit civil service.

Then the delegation of the Provincial Government of North Maluku was represented by Assistant II of the Provincial Government of North Maluku, Bustan, Head of the Regional Planning, Research and Innovation Agency (Bapperida), Bertius, Head of the Regional Border Management Agency (BPPD), Ferdy Manurun Tanduklangi and Karo Administration (Adpim), Jaini.

Also present were the Deputy Regent of Malinau, Jakaria, the Head of the Malinau DPRD, Ping Ding Yansen and a number of members.