Documentation of who upheld the Ulu people's legacy

MIRI, Oct 27: Registration of sape as a Geographical Indicator (GI) is an important step in ensuring heritage and related knowledge are documented for future generations.

Member of the Telang Usan State Legislative Assembly (ADUN), Dato Dennis Ngau said that sape has long been a part of the life of the Ulu people, but the heritage needs to be documented more systematically.

"This meeting is a historic moment for the people of Ulu Sarawak as we bring together players and sape makers from different areas to sit together and document sape.

"For the time being, we have recognized sap as a part of the life of the Ulu people, but that heritage has not yet been fully recorded in writing. I believe this initiative will bring great benefits to the society and Sarawak as a whole", he said when meeting at the Geographical Indicator Open Sessions with industry activists at the Miri Forum, here today.

He also welcomed the proposal to create a special corner of the Ulu Cultural Centre at FORUM Miri to promote heritage to the community and visitors.

He said the centre was developed with the support of grants from the Sarawak Government to promote and teach the cultural heritage of the Ulu people, especially to young people.

"Supot sape can offer a variety of types of sape for sale, as well as holding weekly shows or activities so that young people can learn and the public have the opportunity to witness them.

"Visitors can also enjoy traditional Ulu people's food while getting to know the culture of this community more closely", he added.

He said the proposal would be examined to be implemented after the official launch ceremony of the building by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on November 7.

The two-day roundtable session at the Miri Forum brought together performers and sape makers from Belaga, Baram, Miri, Kuching and other areas of Sarawak to record knowledge related to the instrument.

The event also involved the Ulu people's association and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts of Sarawak to strengthen the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the community. - TVS