Dr. Yansen Tipa Padan: A New Voice in Dayak Leadership

JAKARTA - dayaktoday.com: Dayak candidates and literate leaders do exist, but they are still rare—few enough to be counted on one hand. 

Among these aspiring leaders is Dr. Yansen Tipa Padan. He stands out for his skills and his significant contributions to literature. Dr. Yansen's work sets him apart in the landscape of Dayak leadership.

Dr. Yansen is a national literacy advocate. He founded the Batu Ruyud Writing Camp in 2022 to promote writing skills. Over his career, he has authored 12 books. Most of these works were published by Kompas Gramedia, a major publisher in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. However, his latest book stands out as particularly noteworthy.

As he prepares for the 2024-2029 North Kalimantan gubernatorial election, Dr. Yansen articulates his ideas and hopes in a new book. The book is titled Kaltara Rumah Kita --  "Kaltara (North Kalimantan) Our Home." It spans 464 pages and was published by the Penerbit Lembaga Literasi Dayak (Dayak Literacy Institute). 

The book was officially launched during the public debate for gubernatorial candidates. This event took place on Metro TV on October 21, 2024.h this book, Dr. Yansen presents a narrative about Kaltara’s facts alongside his vision for the future.

Transforming governance: Making Kaltara our home

A skilled orator is a powerful channel for conveying ideas and motivation, leaving a lasting impact that many admire. One need not look far for examples within the Dayak community; Oevaang Oeray, the Governor of West Kalimantan from 1960 to 1966, serves as a prominent figure. However, leaders who excel in both oratory and writing are truly timeless, like Tjilik Riwut, the Governor of Central Kalimantan from 1958 to 1967.

Riwut’s books and manuscripts have become key references for researchers and writers exploring Dayak culture and Central Kalimantan, filling a significant gap at the time. So, is there a combination of these legendary Dayak figures who is both an accomplished orator and a writer? Indeed, there is!

Dr. Yansen Tipa Padan is a tall figure recognized primarily as a writer and intellectual, despite his extensive career as a bureaucrat, having served as a district head, regional secretary, assistant governor, and now as the Vice Governor of North Kalimantan. This book was written and published before he launched his gubernatorial campaign.

What’s intriguing is that the content of this book doesn’t primarily focus on how to "gain power." Instead, it emphasizes transforming regions and geopolitics into something more than mere governance—into our home. It’s about creating a place where every resident feels at home, comfortable, safe, and peaceful.

This angle adds a unique novelty to the book, distinguishing Dr. Yansen’s perspective from that of other authors. The title "Our Home" perfectly encapsulates this theme.

Unity in diversity: Building a harmonious community

A home is where we, as civilized and cultured beings, reside. Everyone dreams of a dwelling that is safe, peaceful, filled with love, and abundant blessings. First and foremost, a home isn’t defined by how large or expensive the building is or where it’s located.

Rather, it’s about how comfortable and secure we feel inside it. One can build a house, but that doesn’t necessarily create a warm and inviting home. Hence, the saying goes, “You can build a house, not a home.”

Home signifies comfort, safety, and belonging; it assumes that each member is part of a family bound together not only by emotional ties but also by mutual support, working together as one cohesive unit. Who is responsible for creating this ideal shared home? It’s not just the parents or the eldest child; it’s the duty of every family member.

This vision mirrors how North Kalimantan is seen as "our shared home." Every individual within this community is connected through familial bonds that uphold norms, values, traditions, behaviors, and a shared goal of living harmoniously to achieve perfection.

The book’s content underscores that the focus isn’t on how to "seize power" but on how to transform regions into our home, a place where every citizen feels secure and at peace. The purpose of human life is not merely to fulfill daily needs—like food, clothing, and shelter—but to satisfy spiritual needs, striving for eternal happiness through virtuous living.

By referring to “home,” the intention is to remind both current residents and newcomers to this youngest province of Indonesia that Kaltara is a home where everyone experiences life, love, safety, peace, tranquility, and protection.

The challenge lies in the fact that those in leadership and development roles have not fully grasped the incredible diversity within Kaltara. Ideally, every breath and dynamic in the development of a province should reflect Indonesia as a whole.

Kaltara, when viewed through the lens of its diverse population, is a microcosm of Indonesia. Regardless of who holds power, this understanding is crucial. Leaders must recognize and embrace the values that embody the essence of the Indonesian nation—an unwavering spirit and will that permeates our hearts.

When discussing Indonesia, differences should never be a point of contention. Diversity is our strength, as reflected in the nation’s motto found on the emblem of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Garuda Pancasila.

This phrase, derived from Old Javanese, means: “Unity in diversity.” If everyone understands that Kaltara is our home, then its pillars of support will multiply, strengthening the foundation of our society. The diversity of cultures and ethnicities enhances this strength, yet the ongoing development process often tends to overlook these vital symbols.

Kaltara is our home, where not just the parents reside but the entire family. How do we build a harmonious home? First, we must understand the character and needs of every member within that household. Only then can we discuss harmony.

Living harmoniously in a family implies the necessity of good and effective communication. Everyone must be aware of the shared values we wish to cultivate, not just the parents.

If we want to do good, we shouldn’t hesitate; we should take action. To enact positive change, one must be knowledgeable and skilled. This knowledge and capability must be continuously nurtured, enabling every citizen to fulfill their respective roles effectively.

Building “Kaltara’s home” means contributing to the broader vision of Indonesia. Our development label is national: a nationalistic spirit. Thus, a true leader must speak and act as an Indonesian.

Leaders build Indonesia 

No matter their background or faith, they must uphold the values and essence of Indonesian identity. It’s about fostering Indonesian values rather than sectarian ones. The potential of all ethnic groups must be empowered to foster acceptance, cooperation, and mutual support.

Thus, the foundational concept of the book Kaltara Rumah Kita narrates a vision of a harmonious dwelling for all ethnicities within the framework and spirit of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

A leader will unite all these diverse threads into a vibrant tapestry, energizing every step in the journey of development. In doing so, Kaltara will emerge like a rainbow, flourishing with beauty and radiating the unique charm of its diverse cultures.

-- Lingu Tawak Lengilo