Sarawak Book Fair celebrates readers, writers October 6, 2025 – Posted in: In The News, Newsletters

The seven books that were launched at the opening of the Karnival Baca Perdana and Sarawak Book Fair 2025 at the Hills

KUCHING: Seven new books spanning themes of heritage, history, poetry, education, and storytelling were launched yesterday (Sept 30) at the Karnival Baca Perdana and Sarawak Book Fair 2025, in a ceremony officiated by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

The launch, held at The Hills, highlighted the fair’s mission of enriching knowledge, nurturing creativity, and preserving cultural identity in Sarawak.

Among the titles launched was “Pemulai ke Nanga Jela” by Dr Christine Padoch, which documents the Iban community of Nanga Jela, displaced by the Batang Ai Dam in 1985. Combining anthropological research from the 1970s with oral histories, the book preserves a vital cultural memory for future generations.

Six other books launched included Penghormatan Terakhir, Rhyme and Reflection in the Rainforest, Rosli Dhobi, Misi Lia, Proceedings of Action Research, Sixth Form Centre: Vol. 9, and Etnik Bidayuh dan Bale Gambang-Baruk: Identiti, Tradisi dan Perubahan.

Sharifah Nong Jasima

Extracted from Sarawak Tribune, dated 30 Sept 2025

Pemulai ke Nanga Jela, Return to Nanga Jela is now available on Areca Books’ website and in-store.