Javanese told to explore homestay business

KUCHING: The Javanese are urged to consider operating homestays or “Inap Desa”. Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the state had yet to come across a Javanese operating a homestay, making it a potential economic opportunity for the community to venture into.

”Tourism is a big money spinner and homestay programmes fall under this sector. I believe the Javanese have a lot to offer,” he said at the Arts and Culinary Festival of the Javanese Community of Kolong 2 in Matang here yesterday. He believed with the rich culture and traditions of the Javanese, a homestay programme could definitely take off successfully.

A taste of culture: Deputy Science, technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof (third right)sharing with Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang (fourth right)and others a spoonful ofJavanese traditional delicacy ‘nasi ambeng’ when officiating at the Arts and Culinary Festival of the Javanese at Kolong 2 in Kuching.

He said tourists were very fascinated by exotic culture and traditions in Sarawak and the Javanese had a lot of them. ”From the gamelan music to their traditional dishes, tourists would be delighted to learn and see all these for themselves,” he said. Lo noted that the Kolong 2 settlement had been in existence for more than a century and till today, the community kept true to their culture by giving emphasis to their practices and language.

However, he cautioned that if efforts to promote these traditions were not continuous, it could be forgotten by the new generation. He explained that technology these days had made the younger generation spend more time on the Internet instead of learning the arts of the their community. ”This is why MPP is very supportive of communities holding activities that promote get-togethers. We include activities like this into our Padawan Fest each year and it is not only for the Javanese but for other races too,” he said.

Earlier the festival’s organising chairman, councillor Dr Zaiedi Suhaili said Padawan Fest was not only about holding happy gatherings but it was also to bring communities together to celebrate their respective culture and traditions. He said this was what spread the awareness of tolerance and understanding among the communities living in the Padawan area.
-thestar online.