Literacy and the Dayak's Readiness for the 5.0 Revolution
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| The Dayak people in Krayan, North Kalimantan: Don't underestimate the Dayak because they are literate and media-savvy. Photo credit: the author. |
JAKARTA- dayaktoday.com: The Dayak people have a rich cultural heritage and deep knowledge. They are not only literate but also adept at using media to preserve traditions, communicate, and strengthen their communities. Their understanding of the environment, local wisdom, and history is incredibly valuable.
The Dayak community is increasingly active in utilizing technology to share information and advocate for their rights. This demonstrates their high adaptability and shows they shouldn't be underestimated.
The Dayak people in Krayan, North Kalimantan: Don't underestimate the Dayak because they are literate and media-savvy. Photo credit: the author.
Read From the Village to University, as Exemplified by Prof. Lambut (93 Years Old)
The Dayak ethnic group, a diverse community with seven sub-tribes, has become an extraordinary example of literacy development within its society.
With a population of around 8 million people worldwide, the Dayak are spread across three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam.
The Dayak’s cultural heritage and unity
Although divided by the geopolitical boundaries created by colonial settlers from afar (the British and the Dutch), the indigenous people of Borneo—one of the world's largest islands, twice the size of Germany (743,330 km²)—remain united. This unity is evident in international gatherings like the International Dayak Cultural Congress in Bengkayang (2017) and the Iban Summit II in Sekadau (March 2023), where the declaration emerged: "We Acknowledge One Dayak!"
No debate or contention exists regarding the origins of the Dayak people; the focus is on fostering unity among the citizens of these three countries across various forums and fields.
Undoubtedly, the Dayak have made impressive strides in literacy development, measured not just by quantity but also by quality.
Literally, literacy comes from the word "literacy," which refers to the ability to read and write. However, Dayak literacy extends beyond these activities.
Key Components of Dayak literacy
Dayak literacy can be defined as "the sensory motor skills and creative capacity to utilize various reading materials, both print and digital, for the advancement of Dayak civilization in multiple aspects of life." This encompasses essential skills such as reading, writing, speaking, counting, and problem-solving at specific expertise levels critical to daily routines.
Read 7 Issues Facing the Dayak Community Today
In the modern era, literacy goes beyond just reading and writing; it encompasses various essential aspects that prepare communities, including the Dayak people, to face the challenges of the 5.0 Revolution. We can break down literacy into several key components:
Reading and Writing: These fundamental skills remain the cornerstone of literacy. Access to information through books, articles, and digital media allows individuals to understand and explore a broader range of knowledge. The Dayak community should be encouraged to read not only in Indonesian but also in their local languages to keep their cultural heritage alive.
Financial Literacy: In an increasingly interconnected digital world, understanding finances is crucial. Financial literacy helps the Dayak people manage their finances better, understand investments, and participate in the wider economy. Training in this area can enhance economic independence and promote local entrepreneurship.
Cultural Literacy: Understanding and appreciating one’s culture is a vital part of identity. Cultural literacy helps the Dayak community develop pride in their heritage and ensures that traditional values are preserved amidst changing times. This includes knowledge of their unique arts, languages, and traditions.
National Literacy in Indonesia: Understanding the national context and history of Indonesia is also important. The Dayak people need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens and how they can contribute to national development. With this knowledge, they can engage more actively in discussions and decisions that affect their lives.
Are the Dayak ready to enter and face the 5.0 revolution?
The answer is simple: they are prepared.
Interestingly, Dayak literacy includes six foundational literacies as outlined by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. These six literacies encompass language literacy (reading and writing), numeracy, science literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, and cultural and citizenship literacy.
By covering all these aspects, the Dayak demonstrate their resilience in developing a wide range of skills highly relevant in today’s information and technology age.
What’s most impressive about Dayak literacy is that they are not merely passive consumers of information; they are also producers and drivers of it.
Many Dayak members are actively engaged in the modern literacy landscape, accessing online media and building community literacy networks. Some even make a living from these foundational literacies, turning them into jobs or sources of income.
This is clear evidence that the Dayak can not only adapt to rapid changes but also navigate and thrive within them. They have found ways to remain relevant in the modern world while preserving their rich cultural heritage and identity.
Literacy, in its broadest sense, has become a key tool for the Dayak in maintaining their position in an increasingly global and interconnected society.
Embracing the 5.0 Revolution: Opportunities and challenges
In this remarkable story, the Dayak illustrate the importance of literacy in advancing the culture and civilization of a nation. They remind us that literacy is not just about reading and writing but about actively participating in weaving a brighter future through knowledge and skills—a lesson that can inspire communities worldwide.
Read Menjadi Dayak di Era Modern
The Dayak are ready to face the 5.0 Revolution. But what exactly is the 5.0 Revolution? It is a concept related to technological development and social transformation that combines elements from various previous industrial revolutions: Industrial Revolution 1.0 (steam engines), 2.0 (electricity and mass production), 3.0 (information technology and computers), and 4.0 (IoT, artificial intelligence, and automation).
Revolution 5.0 merges advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and quantum technology with the goal of creating positive impacts across various aspects of human life, including the economy, environment, health, and social interactions.
The Dayak are one of the indigenous ethnic groups in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan (Borneo). They possess a rich culture, traditions, and knowledge about tropical rainforest ecology, sustainable agriculture, and living in harmony with nature. The Dayak have significant potential to contribute to the 5.0 Revolution for several reasons:
The area where the Dayak reside in Kalimantan boasts high biodiversity. They possess extensive traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, food sources, and other natural resources that could be key in developing new medicines, sustainable food sources, and renewable energy.
Historically, the Dayak have lived in harmony with nature and have a profound understanding of the importance of environmental conservation. They can play a crucial role in efforts to protect the threatened rainforest ecosystems.
The Dayak can leverage their traditional knowledge to contribute to sustainable technology development, such as integrating traditional medicinal plants into modern healthcare or sustainable agricultural practices.
Revolution 5.0 also emphasizes the empowerment of local communities. The Dayak can play a vital role in developing sustainable technological innovations while preserving their culture and traditions.
The Dayak can integrate their traditional knowledge with modern technologies, like artificial intelligence and sensors, to enhance natural resource management and agriculture.
Are the Dayak ready to enter and face the 5.0 Revolution?
The Dayak people, as the indigenous inhabitants and heirs of Borneo, have a long history of adaptability and resilience. Their deep-rooted wisdom, cultural values, and strong communal bonds provide them with a solid foundation to navigate the complexities of the 5.0 Revolution. With digital transformation shaping every aspect of life, the Dayak must embrace technology not as a threat but as a tool to amplify their voices, preserve their heritage, and strengthen their economic standing. By integrating modern advancements with their traditional knowledge, they can ensure that progress aligns with their identity and aspirations.
In practical terms, the Dayak are already stepping into the digital era, utilizing technology for education, business, and cultural preservation. The rise of local entrepreneurs, digital literacy programs, and online platforms for showcasing Dayak art and traditions signal their readiness. The Credit Union movement, for instance, has demonstrated their ability to adapt financial models to the needs of indigenous communities. Moreover, with increasing access to the internet and artificial intelligence, the Dayak can participate in global conversations, advocate for their rights, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving digital economy.
However, their journey into the 5.0 Revolution requires strategic empowerment. Investments in education, infrastructure, and policy-making must prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for indigenous communities. The Dayak must also be proactive in shaping their own narrative, ensuring that technological advancements do not erode their cultural integrity but rather enhance their sovereignty. By combining their ancestral wisdom with modern innovation, they can confidently step into the future while remaining true to their heritage.
Read Niah Cave: Dayak Heritage in Borneo’s Majestic Landscape
While doing so, they will continue to uphold and cherish the values of their ancestors. An equally important key is to maintain local wisdom and contribute to holistic sustainable development.
-- Masri Sareb Putra