Revealing the symbolic role of Buket philosophy and cultural motifs in social development in Sarawak

Philosophy is essential for promoting social development by encouraging critical thinking and thoughtful reflection on societal issues. At the same time, cultural motifs serve as concrete representations of a community’s values, beliefs, and perspectives on life. Together, these elements are instrumental in strengthening social cohesion, empowering marginalized groups, and preserving cultural heritage. Recognising cultural values and practices as essential components of development beyond their aesthetic significance reveals their influence in shaping collective mindsets and social dynamics. Despite the richness of indigenous cultures, there is often a lack of organised approach for interpreting and integrating indigenous philosophies and symbolic systems into mainstream development discourse. Among the Buket ethnic group in Sarawak, Malaysia, traditional knowledge and symbolic expressions face the risk of marginalization due to limited documentation and a decline in intergenerational transmission. This study intends to interpret the indigenous philosophy and cultural motifs of the Buket as symbolic representations of social development. It aims to underscore their significance in promoting sustainable and inclusive development practices. This research employs a qualitative methodology that integrates a literature review, fieldwork observations, in-depth interviews with members of the Buket community, and a case study focusing on the Hudoq cultural tradition. These methods enable a comprehensive exploration of the community’s belief structures and cultural practices. The findings indicate that Buket indigenous philosophies, together with their cultural motifs are deeply embedded in social values, environmental relationships, and collective identity. These aspects play a pivotal role in sustaining cultural continuity and enhancing community resilience.

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