“We will keep preserving” – Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka Responds to Claims That It Burned Iban Literature Books

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) recently put out a statement denying claims that they had burned Iban literature books following a social media post alleging that these works had been destroyed.

In the statement, DBP revealed that since Sarawak DBP took over from the Borneo Literature Bureau (BLB) in 1977, all materials, including the 1,077 books received, are still safely stored.

“False and misleading allegations”

DBP’s pursuit of literary preservation includes 444 collections (BLB) and 633 (Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah collections) still being preserved, and this material can be used as a reference by researchers, writers and the public who wish to go to the Borneo collection, DBP Sarawak Branch.

They also explained that, as an agency responsible for protecting and promoting language and literature, they’ve worked on documenting and researching tribal languages and indigenous folklore in Sarawak.

This includes publishing dictionaries like the Kamus Bahasa Melanau Mukah, Kamus Bahasa Iban, Kamus Bahasa Vaie, and Kamus Melayu Sarawak.

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DBP has published various language collections

DBP also shared that it has published a Word List (catalogue) that includes various language collections such as ‘Daftar Kata Bahasa Vaie (Bahasa Melayu), Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu (Bahasa Kedayan), Daftar Kata Bahasa Melayu (Bahasa Melanau Dalat), and more.

They’ve also published 44 folk literature books, including titles like ‘Antologi Cerita Rakyat Sarawak Telichu and Telichai, Avun Hagang Batang Kayo, Kerena Dayang Petera, and several others, as well as Iban language textbooks in collaboration with the Education Ministry, which are now officially used in Sarawak schools.

“Sarawak DBP will keep researching, preserving, and publishing works to honour the tribal languages, folk literature, and the rich diversity of Sarawak’s communities.”

DBP hopes the Facebook allegations won’t stop its efforts to preserve and share the culture and heritage of the Sarawak community through documenting and publishing books for future generations.

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