By Olivia Miwil
SEMPORNA: A new cultural festival here aims to reconnect the Bajau community with its heritage while highlighting the importance of protecting the marine environment that has shaped its traditions and way of life.
Pesta Igal-Igal, scheduled for Sept 19 and 20 on Mantabuan Island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, will bring together Bajau cultural practitioners, community leaders, conservation groups and scientific experts for the first festival of its kind in the marine park.
The festival was initiated by Koperasi Alam Laut Silangau Semporna (KOPSI) chairman Mohd Jasni Kanti and Future Alam Borneo Society chairman Anton Ngui, who have worked to promote Bajau culture and raise environmental awareness.
The pair met about five years ago through Sabah Parks Semporna Park manager Ghazali Hindi, leading to a collaboration combining cultural heritage with marine conservation.
For more than a year, the organisers travelled to remote islands and rural homes to meet local arts and crafts practitioners and document traditions including the Igal-Igal dance, Tepo mat weaving, Lepa boat building and Bajau freediving.
"We want to start the Igal-Igal Festival to put the focus back on local culture and food, creating meaningful connections for visitors," Mohd Jasni said.
The festival will also provide a platform for conservation organisations and scientific experts to discuss protecting marine ecosystems from human impacts.
Ngui said the festival aimed to strengthen the Bajau community's appreciation of its heritage while highlighting the importance of protecting the sea.
"We want to remind the Bajau how amazing their cultural heritage is, and how important protecting the sea is to preserve their traditions," he said.
The festival is planned as an annual event rotating among the 8 islands in the marine park, with each community taking turns to curate it based on a shared sustainable vision.
Another planned initiative is Tamu Nusa Bajau, an online platform to showcase Bajau arts, culture and environmental experiences to a global audience.
More information is available on the Pesta Igal-Igal official website.
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