Dayak: The Power of Primordial Loyalty

The atmosphere of the large Dayak gathering at Tumbang Anoi in 1894 vividly demonstrated their strong primordial loyalty. Repro by MSP.

PALANGKA RAYA - dayaktoday.com: The atmosphere of the large Dayak gathering at Tumbang Anoi in 1894 vividly demonstrated their strong primordial loyalty. 

This historic event brought together various Dayak tribes, showcasing their deep sense of community and commitment to one another. More than just a meeting, it was a unifying moment where longstanding intertribal tensions were addressed, reinforcing their shared identity and collective resilience.

Dayak: The Power of Primordial Loyalty

"Primordial loyalty" refers to a profound sense of commitment and fidelity that arises from deep-seated bonds within a community. 

In this context, "face-to-face relations" emphasizes the importance of direct interactions that fortify these connections. 

Together, these concepts define traditional societies, especially those like the Dayak, that have largely remained shielded from external cultural influences. This isolation has fostered a unique public sphere, where villagers engage in open discussions about various aspects of their lives—an idea that aligns with Jürgen Habermas's theories on the public sphere and communicative action.

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So, why do participants of the Batu Ruyud Writing Camp eagerly make their way to the Highlands, the very heart of Borneo? What is it that intertwines their spirit with that of the Dayak envoys who convened for the historic Tumbang Anoi meeting in 1894? 

Dayak communities foster unique social connections

Within these villages, social control is strikingly robust, as personal relationships cultivate a profound sense of belonging. 

Over time, this connection transforms into a formidable social force, one that is able to mobilize collective action. One could argue that contemporary digital platforms serve as a modern manifestation of this public space, much like the Huma betang, rumah panjae, and lamin did when 152 Dayak tribes gathered there from May to July in 1894.

During that pivotal gathering, discussions were just one element; they also laid the groundwork for what I term "Dayakensis sensus," a collective consciousness born out of interactions that were inadvertently influenced by the Dutch East India Company. 

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The hurdles faced by figures like Controller Barth from Tanah Melawi and De Heer from Dayak Besar in organizing this significant event—including intricate logistical challenges—underscored the unwavering resolve of the participants who navigated the dense jungles of 1894 to attend.

What drives the participants of the Batu Ruyud Writing Camp to venture into the Highlands, a "house of literacy" that welcomes both novice and experienced writers?

It is, quite simply, the vibrant spirit of literacy that permeates the air, alongside an innate ability to connect with fellow Kalimantan natives—a shared essence that is hard to overlook. 

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This unique bond encapsulates what ethnologists refer to as primordial loyalty.

Dayak loyalty stems from cultural strength

The strength of this primordial loyalty among the Dayak people distinctly differentiates them from other ethnic groups. Five core factors elucidate why this loyalty is so deeply ingrained and continues to flourish, regardless of where they find themselves:

1. Longhouse culture: The very concept of longhouses—betang, lamin, and rumah panjai—instills a sense of ownership and solidarity among the Dayak. This culture of mutual support becomes particularly evident during pivotal moments, such as the communal efforts witnessed during the ethnic clashes in Sambas in 1999 and Sampit in 2001, as well as the collective response to the insults directed at the Dayak community in 2022. These events have showcased how longhouses serve as more than just residences; they are vital spaces for communal gathering and decision-making.
2. Dayakensis sensus: The collective spirit cultivated during the Tumbang Anoi meeting in 1894 laid the foundation for a strong commitment to eradicate harmful practices that could threaten community cohesion. This collective awareness has evolved over time, leading to proactive measures that address contemporary issues, such as land rights and environmental conservation, further binding the community together.
3. Environmental responsiveness: The Dayak people's survival skills are remarkable, ensuring they are always equipped to face challenges head-on. Their traditional tools, such as the mandau and hunting traps, are extensions of their understanding of the environment. Whether it’s navigating floods or defending against encroachment, the Dayak are prepared to protect their land and livelihoods, illustrating their resilience in the face of adversity.
4. Survival skills: Their harmonious relationship with nature has made the Dayak experts in sourcing food and discerning which plants are safe to consume. This knowledge is vital, especially during lean seasons, when they can rely on their understanding of local flora and fauna. For instance, they skillfully identify edible roots and fruits, ensuring their sustenance while also maintaining an awareness of the ecosystem's balance.
5. Sharp instincts: Hunting practices have fine-tuned the Dayak’s instincts, allowing them to react with precision to various situations. The skills developed through hunting enable them to read the forest's signs—animal tracks, sounds, and weather patterns. This heightened awareness extends beyond hunting; it influences everyday decision-making, allowing them to navigate life’s complexities with agility and foresight.

This exploration reveals the deeply embedded primordial loyalty that sustains the Dayak community. 

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As we delve deeper into this narrative in our next discussion, we will uncover the intricate layers that make up this unique cultural fabric, showcasing how the Dayak people continue to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Tumbang Anoi 1894: The Beginning of Dayak Ethnic Unity

Tumbang Anoi in 1894 marked a turning point in the history of the Dayak people, solidifying their ethnic unity after centuries of living in separate communities. Before this historic gathering, internal conflicts and headhunting practices had long divided various Dayak subgroups. However, the landmark peace agreement at Tumbang Anoi put an end to these disputes, fostering a shared identity among the Dayak. This newfound unity would later become a formidable force in resisting colonial rule.

The Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) severely miscalculated its strategy in Dayak territories. Unlike in Java, where they successfully applied the divide et impera (divide and rule) tactic by manipulating a centralized leadership, the same approach failed in Borneo.

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 The Dayak’s decentralized leadership structure, with numerous chieftains rather than a single ruler, prevented the Dutch from exploiting internal divisions. Instead of being fragmented by colonial interference, the Dayak people used their diversity as a strength, forming alliances and resisting foreign domination.

Rather than being subdued, the Dayak transformed their unity into a powerful force of resistance, leading a series of rebellions against Dutch rule.

One notable example was the Apang Semangai War in Sintang, where Dayak warriors successfully fought back and expelled the Dutch from their territory. This defiant stand demonstrated the strength of their newfound solidarity and sent a clear message that colonial forces would not easily dominate them.

This resistance shattered the colonial illusion that indigenous groups could be easily controlled. Tumbang Anoi had not only ended intertribal conflicts but had also laid the foundation for a strong anti-colonial movement. 

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The Dayak proved that they were not just survivors of history but an independent people capable of shaping their own destiny.

-- Rangkaya Bada