Sri Aman Division, Sarawak

A Peaceful Land of Rivers, Paddy & Heritage

Sri Aman Division, located along the Batang Lupar River, is a region rich in Iban traditions, agriculture, and historical significance. Known for its tidal bore phenomenon, charming longhouses, and cultural festivals, Sri Aman continues to preserve Sarawak’s inland legacy while moving toward sustainable development.

Formation & Historical Background

  • Originally known as Simanggang, renamed Sri Aman (“City of Peace”) in 1974
  • Location of historic 1973 peace accord between the Sarawak government and communist insurgents
  • Longtime home of Iban tribes, known for longhouses and headhunting history
  • Division declared formally under Sarawak’s administrative structure

Basic Information

CategoryDetails
Division NameSri Aman Division
StateSarawak
Division CenterSri Aman Town
AreaApprox. 5,466 sq. km
Population (2025 est.)Approx. 170,000
Main Ethnic GroupsIban, Malay, Chinese, Bidayuh

Districts in Sri Aman Division (2 total)

District NameAdministrative CenterKnown For
Sri AmanSri Aman TownTidal bore, Iban longhouses, government center
Lubok AntuLubok Antu TownBorder trade, Batang Ai Dam & National Park

Local Governance & Representation

Position / RoleName (2025 est.)Remarks
Resident (Commissioner)Encik Peter Entili anak UjanCoordinates development and cultural affairs
District OfficersLocated in Sri Aman & Lubok AntuFocus on rural infrastructure & agriculture
MPs & ADUNsRepresent Iban-majority constituenciesSupport education, farming, and eco-tourism

Key Features & Attractions

  • Benak Festival (Pesta Benak) – Annual event celebrating tidal bore phenomenon
  • Iban Longhouses – Traditional community living in Engkilili, Pantu
  • Batang Ai National Park – Protected rainforest, orangutan habitat, eco-lodges
  • Batang Lupar River – Fishing, boat travel, natural beauty
  • Border Trade Zone (Lubok Antu) – Near Indonesian frontier

Economy & Livelihood

  • Agriculture:
    • Paddy fields, pepper, rubber, oil palm, hill rice
  • Fisheries & Aquaculture – River fish, prawns, and freshwater crabs
  • Handicrafts – Rattan weaving, Iban textiles, bead necklaces
  • Tourism – River cruises, eco-tourism at Batang Ai, cultural homestays

Transport & Connectivity

  • Road links to Kuching and Betong via the Pan Borneo Highway
  • Water transport on Batang Lupar for interior villages
  • Local buses, vans, and rural feeder roads
  • Proposed rural airstrip (in planning phase)

Education & Healthcare

  • Government secondary & rural boarding schools
  • Community learning centers in Iban areas
  • Sri Aman General Hospital, clinics in Lubok Antu & surrounding mukims
  • Mobile outreach for health and literacy programs

Culture & Local Cuisine

  • Deep-rooted Iban cultural identity – headgear, tattoos, Ngajat dance
  • Traditional foods:
    • Manok pansoh, Paku Pakis, Umai, Kasam ensabi (fermented veggies)
  • Cultural practices:
    • Gawai Dayak, ritual storytelling, music with Sape’

Summary

Sri Aman Division is a region of peace, pride, and paddies—where rivers bring life, and traditions are lovingly preserved. Whether you’re riding the Batang Lupar tidal waves, exploring rainforest retreats, or staying in an Iban longhouse, Sri Aman offers authentic Sarawakian warmth and nature in its purest form.