MTCP initiates GI registration of Gagung Iban Sarawak
BINTULU, 28 September 2026: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak is currently conducting a two-day stakeholder session engagement at Nu Hotel in Bintulu, bringing together government agencies, technical experts and 25 members of Kelab Gagung Sarawak (KGS) to advance the Geographical Indication (GI) documentation of the Gagung Iban Sarawak.
Throughout the two-day session, the participants will be developing the GI Specification Document with guidance from MTCP Principal Assistant Secretary, Dr. Elena Chai as well as other representatives from the Sarawak Craft Council and Sarawak Museum Department, just to name a few. Also present at these sessions is KGS founder, Jabang ak Juntan, who is also District Officer of Bukit Mabong in Kapit.
Sessions such as these give KGS members and related agencies the opportunity to meet and discuss key characteristics of the Gagung, as well as the craftsmanship involved in creating it, which will serve as fundamental foundation for the GI registration process. Beyond its physical form, the Gagung is a reflection of the skills of Iban artisans in creating the different components which brings the Gagung to life, from the material selection, garment shaping, stitching and assembly – expertise that continues to be passed down through generations within the community.
The Gagung is a key component of a male Iban warrior attire, rich in history, customs and tradition. Crafted from animal hide or tree bark from the tekalung tree, the Gagung was once regarded as protective gear during warfare, and a proud display of strength and power. This vest-like material is often decorated with different materials like animal fur, oyster shells, animal fangs or tusks, beads and metal ornaments, and worn with various other clothings and accessories like the sirat, baju burung, marik telasa, marik ujan, terendak, lampit, simpai jari, simpai lengan, tungkin/batu api, kabo duku, nyabor or pedang, lelanjang or ketapu.
These accessories as well as the Gagung were on full display today at the session, brought over by KGS members. Some of these ornaments on display have been passed down for generations, and were once used by headhunting ancestors in battle. From hornbill casques and clouded leopard hide to intricately carved terendak and headhunting pedang, these ornaments which make the full Iban warrior outfit continue to be worn in present day during Gawai Dayak celebrations, Ngajat performances, weddings and other cultural events.
