Sidca celebrates first anniversary with a dinner

KUCHING: Sarawak Iban Dance and Culture Association ( Sidca) celebrated its first anniversary on Saturday, promising to further develop the Iban dance and culture scene in the state.

According to Sidca president Ajat Sumoh, although the association is just one year old, it is growing in stature and developing fast because it has managed to fulfill its plans since its formation last year.

“A lot of activities involving Iban dance and culture were done by Sidca last year. We hope to see more activities carried out by our association this year and for many years to come,” he added.

Among the activities organised by Sidca last year was the Iban Cultural Theatre held at Batu Lintang Teacher’s Training College.

Commenting that the event was a success thanks to support received by the association, Ajat hopes to see another theatre play on Iban ancestral folklore and culture this year.

“Organising a theatre based on Iban ancestral folklore and culture is one way to bring Iban dance and culture to the masses. We hope to get support for this project,” he said.

Sidca’s activities are not limited to performances as it looks for ways to enhance and preserve other aspects of Iban culture. Ajat said the association is now on a mission to teach anyone interested the art of making Iban handicraft.

A dinner was held at Crown Square to celebrate Sidca’s first anniversary with Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, First Infantry Division commander Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw and Sarawak Dayak National Union ( SDNU) vice- president III Churchill Edward invited as guests- ofhonour.

In his speech, Lo hopes Ibans in Sarawak do all they can to preserve their culture.

“As the culture of the people is unique, promotion will draw tourists to Sarawak,” he said.

Lo and other guests- of-honour cut a cake during the dinner to mark Sidca’s first anniversary. A few individuals received certificates for learning Iban dances with Sidca.

Lo pledged RM5,000 to Sidca during the dinner while the organisers received a pledge of RM10,000 from Saratok MP and SDNU president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom. Both Lo and Mawan’s pledges are to help Sidca with their future activities.