BORNEO NATIONS CROSS-BORDER EFFORT TO REVITALISE BERMUKUN

KUCHING, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Efforts to preserve the traditional Bermukun arts and culture in the region are being undertaken through the Bermukun se-Borneo 2024 program, involving Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.

The program is currently being held in the Sarawak state capital.

Malaysian Broadcasting Department's Radio Program Division Director Saifuzzaman Yusop said the cross-cultural program, now in its 24th edition, will hopefully attract the younger generation to be involved in the traditional entertainment.

"After 24 years of organising the event throughout Borneo, this year's outcome is that we have young participants aged 16 and 20 in the Bermukun group this time.

"With today's technological edge, we need to continue efforts in conveying our heritage online to make it easier for them to get information on social media," he said at the Bermukun se-Borneo 2024 press conference held at the RTM Kuching Mini Auditorium, here today.

Participation in the Bermukun initiative is seen through the representation of respective national broadcasting stations, with Malaysia represented by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), Indonesia by Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), and Radio Television Brunei (Brunei).

Meanwhile, HARMONIfm RTB Unit Head Noor Hawadah Ramle, leading the RTB Delegation, said various efforts are being organised in Brunei to find young participants to continue Bermukun's legacy.

"In Brunei it is true that the culture of Bermukun in entertainment form is monopolised by veterans, but it is gaining interest among younger people after the organisation of competitions and workshops in schools," she said.

Sarawak Broadcasting Director Wan Azhan Wan Hamat, RRI Specific Functional Department Associate Member and RRI Delegation Head Diana Rusnawati were also present.

The Bermukun se-Borneo 2024 program, which kicked off yesterday, will end on Nov 11. The program, themed 'World Radio Day', 'Aidilfitri Holiday', 'National Day', 'Station Anniversary Celebration', 'New Year's Celebration', and 'Unity and Love', features performances by the Bermukun players accompanied by drummers, violinists, and gambus players.

The audience recording of Bermukun se-Borneo 2024 will be held on Nov 8 and 10, while the live broadcast will be on Nov 9 from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm via SARAWAKfm radio channel with live streaming on SARAWAKfm Facebook and broadcast on RTMKlik.

Meanwhile, Saifuzzaman said various exciting activities are being held during the program, including 'Kamboh Nite', the Santai Cruise program, and Malam Segulai Sejalai.

He explained that a cooperation program involving the three countries is the best basis for helping create an integrity-based society, protecting heritage, and showing concern for the contribution of arts and culture.

-- BERNAMA