In the case of Sarawak, I conclude that tourism has been a culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions to a large extent. Just like other nation going through globalisation, Sarawak has been identify to prioritise more on service and tourism sector as their main source of revenue lately. Therefore the Sarawak Tourism Board had to cater and design their performances in a way which will be appealing to both tourists and local residents.
One of the examples would be replica dwellings at the Sarawak Cultural Village where actors demonstrate the everyday life of village natives. This had major impact for the indigenous people because it changed their motivation and way of life. In the past the indigenous people used to live their life, carrying out their normal activities because it is part of their culture and daily routine. But this concept had changed since the arrival of globalisation.
The indigenous tribes have become part of the destination’s answer to attract the tourists. The tribes would attempt to modify their culture in order to cater to the tastes and preferences of the tourists coming in to their country. The tribe might perceive it as a good strategy for source of income because they’re getting paid for doing their daily routine. In reality, the rich and unique set of the Dayak’s cultures are diluting everyday because their culture was not designed to meet the needs of tourist in the first place.
Furthermore the performances are staged in a way to depict indigenous cultural histories to tourists. The theatrical performances offer simplified depictions of historical native life. Most tourists thought that they know about the indigenous group in Sarawak after they had been to Sarawak Culture village, or even stayed in one of their longhouses accommodation, and brought souvenir at the handicraft shop. But what the tourists really engaged in was a culture that had been commercialised and package in a business concept. There is lack of authenticity in the SCV as the entire histories and culture of the indigenous peoples could not possibly present in single village.
One, who is truly interested in the culture and traditions of Sarawak should visit the real longhouses beside by the river, the Ibans (sea dayaks) or near the mountain, the Bidayuh (land dayaks). Ideally, residing with them for a few days, interacting and engages in their daily routines to gain an authentic firsthand experience of the culture, which are not invaded by the businessman and government.
