Ugak leads delegation on his first goodwill visit to Orang Ulu village in North Kalimantan, Indonesia
KAPIT: Hulu Rajang MP Wilson Ugak Kumbong recently led a delegation of some 70 people from Kapit to visit Long Nawang, Apau Koyan, Malinau in North Kalimantan, Indonesia on a goodwill visit.
The group comprised Ugak’s wife Datin Leyta Kupa, Kapit Deputy Resident Galong Luang, Bukit Mabong district officer Douglas Pungga, councillor Bete Lahang, councillor Stephan Jana, Penghulu Bunsu Geringgang, Penghulu Steward Sawing, Penghulu Undie Bajal, Penghulu Sallang Batang and members of PRS Baleh, Belaga and Murum.
They gathered at the Bletih State Complex for attendance check and photo session before starting their long journey in 19 4WD vehicles along the logging road in Baleh before crossing the international border to Indonesia.
Ugak said the objective of the visit was to foster goodwill and friendship between the Dayaks ( Orang Ulu) in Sarawak and North Kalimantan.
Another purpose of the visit, he added, was to put a stop to the entry of people from the other side of the border into Baleh to search for ‘garu’ wood.
Garu is an ingredient for making perfume and fetches a high price.
It is believed that the Orang Ulu in Belaga and Tubau originated from Long Nawang, Apau Koyan, Malinau in North Kalimantan.
This is Ugak’s first visit to Apau Koyan since he became the MP for Hulu Rajang.
The previous Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo used to make yearly trip to Apau Koyan.