Weaving Heritage into the Future: Sarawak Moves to Protect Buri Kapit Through Geographical Indication Registration

KAPIT, 24 July — For more than two centuries, the intricate beauty of Buri Kapit has been woven into the cultural identity of the Iban community in the Rajang region. Now, efforts are underway to ensure this treasured craft is recognised and protected for generations to come.

The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) recently brought together more than 40 Buri artisans, government agencies and technical experts for a two-day stakeholder engagement session at Meligai Kapit to advance the Geographical Indication (GI) registration of Buri Kapit.

Held from 23 to 24 July, the workshop focused on developing the GI Specification Document, a key requirement for the official application. Representatives from the Sarawak Craft Council, Kapit Resident's Office, Kapit District Office, Song District Office, Bukit Mabong District Office, the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) joined local artisans to document the craft's history, production techniques and distinctive characteristics.

Unlike trademarks that belong to individuals or companies, a Geographical Indication recognises products whose qualities, reputation or identity are closely linked to a specific place. For Buri Kapit, the registration would formally acknowledge its deep cultural roots in Kapit and the surrounding Rajang region while helping to safeguard the authenticity of the craft.

Buri Kapit derives its name from buri, the shells of saltwater snails that have long been used to embellish traditional Iban textiles and ceremonial attire. The craft has been practised by communities in the area since the early 19th century and remains one of Sarawak's most distinctive forms of indigenous craftsmanship.

Its origins are also closely tied to Iban oral tradition. According to folklore, the people of Batang Rajang first learned about Buri cloth through Bunsu Remaung, a legendary warrior from Panggau Libau celebrated for his courage and strength. Stories passed down through generations tell of Bunsu Remaung weaving a buri selampai, a decorative shoulder cloth, for his wife whenever he visited her in a cave. Inspired by this legend, the Iban community began producing their own buri selampai, which eventually became an important symbol of traditional attire and cultural identity.

Beyond preserving a traditional craft, the engagement session provided an opportunity for artisans to share knowledge that has been handed down through generations. Discussions explored the history of Buri Kapit, its production methods, geographical links and cultural significance, all of which will form part of the GI application.

Once registered, the Geographical Indication is expected to strengthen the identity and market value of Buri Kapit while helping protect it from imitation. More importantly, it recognises the knowledge, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Iban community, ensuring that this unique tradition continues to be appreciated by future generations.

As Sarawak continues to celebrate and preserve its rich cultural diversity, the move to secure GI status for Buri Kapit marks another meaningful step in safeguarding one of the state's living heritage treasures.