Step up promotion of kuntau among young Ibans, association told
KUCHING (May 12): Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association (Sikar) needs to intensify the promotion of this traditional martial art to the younger members of the community.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan, in making this call, regards the 'kuntau' as much a part of the Iban heritage and identity as the language.
The Balai Ringin assemblyman also points out that the martial art holds creative elements to justify its preservation and protection by the state government.
'The Chinese have their 'kung fu', the Malays their silat, and the Ibans, their 'kuntau'.
'I see these martial arts as tools to identity these respective races,' he said in his opening speech for Sikar's annual dinner at a hotel here last Saturday.
Adding on, Snowdan noted that other Dayak groups had welcomed Iban kuntau because of its practicality across the aspects of athleticism, aesthetics and self-defence.
'In this regard, Sikar is now tasked with grouping all kuntau enthusiasts all over Sarawak, improving the training programmes and promoting it to youths.'
Snowdan also encouraged all NGOs to apply for financial assistance from his ministry.
'There is the annual RM10 million allocation meant for NGOs, including Sikar, to facilitate them in holding core activities, as well as another RM50 million annual fund meant to assist any NGO planning to hold significant festivals.'
Later, Snowdan pledged RM10,000 for Sikar to finance its various activities.
In addition, the state deputy minister also called upon Sikar members to come and provide moral support to the ministry-endorsed Mr Keling Borneo International 2025 Championship, to be staged at the Summermall Kota Samarahan this May 17.
'Almost all well-known Dayak athletes, from the past era to the present day, are expected to attend the event,' he added.
Meanwhile, Sikar president Basil Laman Amin in his welcoming remarks said for now, there are 50 'kelang' (kuntau training centres) across Sarawak under the purview of the association.
'Our Sabahan counterparts have also expressed intention to collaborate with Sikar in holding major programmes in the near future,' he added.
Also present at the dinner were Akademi Sarawak Dayak Iban Association head Mabong Uggang and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) information chief Churchill E Drem – both co-founders of Sikar. kuntau lead martial arts Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association Snowdan Lawan
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