A Tourism Selangor event aims to bridge the gap between indigenous communities and the public at large.

“In many countries, indigenous tribes continue to remain a mystery, unknown to the larger population,” said Tourism Selangor general manager Noorul Ashikin Din at a press conference at the Shah Alam National Botanical Garden yesterday.

This was acknowledged by Zurdi Baharu, a representative from Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (Joas), who said that the indigenous people rarely have reason to go out to public places.

“If we look before this, there aren’t many of them that appear in public. It is very hard for us to meet them,” he said.

This is something that they hope the event would help to change.

“This time we are trying our best to encourage them to mix with us in a public place if possible,” Zurdi says.

Other than encouraging interaction between the public and indigenous communities, the event also hopes to increase public awareness on the unique culture and heritage of the native people.

They spoke at the press conference publicising the upcoming 2016 Selangor International Indigenous Arts Festival, which will be held at the Shah Alam National Botanical Garden on Aug 6 and 7.

The two-day annual event is the second organised by Tourism Selangor and JOAS, with the collaboration of regional Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP).

The theme will be ‘Back to the Roots’ and is in conjunction with Tourism Selangor’s ‘Discover Selangor’ campaign.

“In our quest to become a developed and progressive nation, we should not forget these communities and their rights over their lands,” Noorul added.

According to Noorul, the event will feature 21 domestic indigenous tribes from the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak, as well eight tribes from Asia including from Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

Her sentiments were echoed by state tourism, consumer affairs and environment committee chairperson Elizabeth Wong.

“By promoting the culture and creating awareness of the indigenous people, it not only helps to attract tourists to the state, but also helps the indigenous people economically,” she said in a statement.

With an expected turnout of 5,000 attendees over the two-day period, the event will include appearances and cultural performances by the guest tribes as well as a special surprise from the local Mah Meri tribe, well known for their hardwood sculptures and iconic dance performances.

“This time we have a surprise in store during the ceremony. It is a surprise that is quite special,” said Zurdi.

The event will be officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali.