Kuching:The Borneo Indigenous Festival (BIF) 2026 is set to unite the diverse arts, culture, and heritage of Borneo's communities over four days starting November 12 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, emphasized the festival's role in preserving and promoting traditional arts and cultural heritage. This initiative aims to ensure their continuity among younger generations while supporting the development of the state's creative industry and tourism sector.

The festival will serve as a platform for various ethnic groups, artists, cultural practitioners, educational institutions, and creative communities to network, collaborate, and share expertise. It reflects the Sarawak Government's commitment to strengthening the development of the creative industry and elevating arts and cultural heritage as important state assets.

Seven main events will be featured throughout the festival, including the Knowledge Conference, Echoes of Borneo, Malay Traditional Dance and Song Festival, Ngelakar Seni Premium, Ruai Sarawak, Mini Show, and Market Seni. The Echoes of Borneo is expected to be a major attraction, showcasing traditional dance and music performances as well as ethnic costumes, with the participation of Sanggar Andari from Indonesia, the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) from Sabah, and the Labuan Corporation Dance Group.