Gagung Iban Sarawak in the process of registering Geographical Indications

BINTULU, 29 Sept: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts (MTCP) of Sarawak is working on registering the Geographical Indicator (GI) for Gagung Iban Sarawak in an effort to protect the uniqueness and heritage identity of the craft.

The effort was carried out through a two-day roundtable session of stakeholders at Nu Hotel, Bintulu, which brought together government agencies, technical experts as well as 25 members of the Sarawak Gagung Club (KGS).

"This session is important to ensure that every aspect related to the Sarawak Iban Ganung can be accurately documented, including its characteristics, production methods and identity as a cultural heritage of the Iban community", the statement said on Monday.

Throughout the session, participants focused on the development of the GI Specification Document under the guidance of MTCP Assistant Secretary General Dr Elena Chai, along with representatives of Sarawak Kraf Council and Sarawak Museum Department.

The founder of KGS, Juntan Department who is also the Regional Officer of Bukit Mabong, Kapit, was also present in the roundtable session.

The initiative is one of the key steps in trying to document and protect the identity of Sarawak's Iban Gap, as well as strengthening its recognition as a Sarawak heritage. - TVS