Dennis (seated, third left) in a photo call with other participants of the engagement session.
KUCHING (Aug 26): The Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia (Forum) is pushing for stronger intellectual property (IP) protection for traditional cultural expressions, including the sape and Datun Julut dance, to safeguard Orang Ulu heritage for future generations.
The matter was discussed during an engagement session between the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and Forum at the Forum Cultural Centre in Miri recently.
The session was chaired by Forum deputy president and Sarawak Kayan Association president Dato Dennis Ngau, while the MTCP delegation was led by its deputy permanent secretary Julin Alen.
Among the key issues discussed was the need to strengthen IP protection for traditional dances, music, instruments and other cultural expressions belonging to the respective Orang Ulu communities.
A significant outcome was an agreement for Forum to formally pursue IP protection relating to the ownership and cultural heritage of the sape, its traditional music, as well as the Datun Julut dance.
“The Sape and Datun Julut are among the most internationally recognised symbols of Orang Ulu culture. They are not merely forms of entertainment, but represent the identity, history, creativity and living heritage of our people.
“Proper IP protection is therefore important to ensure that their cultural ownership, authenticity and traditional knowledge are respected and protected from inappropriate use or misappropriation,” he said in a statement.
Forum also raised the potential for the Sarawak sape to be considered for geographical indication (GI) protection, which could strengthen its identity and authenticity while creating opportunities for the cultural and creative industries.
In this regard, Dennis also encouraged Forum’s 10 member associations — Kayan, Kenyah, Kajang, Lakiput, Berawan, Bisaya, Penan, Saban, Kelabit and Lun Bawang — to identify and document their own unique cultural assets that may be suitable for IP protection, GI registration or other forms of cultural safeguarding.
“Our culture must not only be remembered; it must be protected, documented, promoted and given economic value so that our children and future generations can inherit it with pride,” he added.
The engagement also explored ways to strengthen cultural tourism and events organised by Forum and its member associations.
The MTCP delegation later toured the Forum Cultural Centre, including its event hall equipped with professional lighting and sound systems and a large LED screen.
The facility has the potential to host large-scale cultural performances, conferences, exhibitions, community programmes and international cultural events.
The delegation also visited the Forum Cultural Gallery, which showcases the heritage of the 10 member associations through oral histories, traditional beliefs, traditional attire and social history, supported by interactive audio-visual and digital elements.
“The Forum Cultural Centre and Gallery therefore have the potential to become more than simply a community facility. With the right support and strategic collaboration, they can develop into a living cultural hub for Orang Ulu heritage, education, cultural tourism, research, exhibitions and creative industries,” said Dennis.
The engagement underscored Forum’s commitment to working with the Sarawak Government and MTCP to ensure Orang Ulu cultural heritage remains protected, relevant and economically sustainable.
“For Orang Ulu communities, our cultural heritage is our identity. If we do not protect it today, we may lose ownership of it tomorrow. If we preserve and promote it wisely, it can become a powerful legacy and source of opportunity for generations to come,” he added.
The post Forum pushes for stronger IP protection of Orang Ulu cultural heritage appeared first on Borneo Post Online.