Dayak: Gathering of Intellectuals in Sekadau – Advancing Education, Economy, and Cultural Sustainability

The Dayak people of today represent a remarkable transformation — a shift from traditional roots to an empowered, forward-thinking community. They are no longer defined merely by their ancestral customs but are now recognized as educated intellectuals, successful entrepreneurs, and visionary leaders with a broad outlook on the future. Photo credit: author.

dayaktoday.com - Pontianak: Amidst an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and pride for their cultural heritage, a group of Dayak intellectuals gathered in Sekadau to discuss the direction of education, research, and empowerment within the Dayak community in the modern era. 

This meeting was not just any ordinary gathering but an important step in solidifying the role of Dayak intellectuals in both the academic world and the global society. 

Among those present were key figures bringing great hope for the advancement of the Dayak people: Dr. Masiun, Musa Narang, Masri Sareb Putra, Adil Bertus, and Laurensius T..

Dr. Masiun, an academic who has earned his doctoral degree, was one of the key speakers at the event. As an expert in his field, Dr. Masiun shared his experience on the importance of higher education and research in building a more advanced Dayak civilization. 

"Education is the key to creating change. The Dayak need to be more actively involved in academia so that we can preserve our culture while developing our capabilities in other fields," he said.

Alongside Dr. Masiun were three promising young doctoral candidates: Musa Narang, Masri Sareb Putra, and Adil Bertus. 

Though still in the process of completing their doctoral degrees, all three are already known for their significant contributions to the development of knowledge and Dayak culture. Musa Narang, with his in-depth research on local economy based on indigenous wisdom, Masri Sareb Putra, who focuses on environmental studies and sustainable development, and Adil Bertus, who is researching sustainable agricultural technologies, are all actively working to bring positive change through their research. They believe that knowledge is a tool for strengthening the Dayak identity and guiding them toward a better future.

Additionally, Laurensius T., a Master in agricultural technology, also contributed valuable insights during the meeting. Laurensius, who has experience in developing environmentally friendly agricultural technology, spoke about the need for innovation in agriculture to improve the livelihoods of the Dayak people.

“By combining agricultural technology with local wisdom, we take a strategic step forward. We must leverage knowledge to preserve our ecosystem while enhancing sustainable agricultural outcomes,” he remarked.

The discussions held in Sekadau were not only focused on academic matters but also on the practical issues facing the Dayak community. One major topic of conversation was the development of human resources (HR) capable of addressing future challenges. The participants agreed that there needs to be a serious effort to improve education quality, especially higher education, within the Dayak community. To address this, they plan to establish scholarship programs to support young Dayak students in pursuing relevant fields of study.

Furthermore, the discussion centered around the importance of research and publication that can support the advancement of knowledge and deepen the understanding of Dayak culture. The intellectuals were aware that research related to the Dayak culture, environment, and economy is essential to directly influence policies that prioritize the needs of indigenous communities. These scholars are committed to publishing their research in international academic journals to gain greater recognition for Dayak knowledge and culture.

The Rise of Dayak’s Economic and Intellectual Renaissance

In addition to education and research, the conversation also turned toward the phenomenon of an economic-industrial and intellectual renaissance occurring among the Dayak people. This is reminiscent of the awakening in Europe, where economic and intellectual growth helped propel European societies into the modern era. In Sekadau, Dayak intellectuals discussed how they could introduce a new economic model that integrates local wisdom while remaining relevant to the global industrial development.

The concept of developing an economy based on sustainable local practices, such as in agriculture, culture-based tourism, and wise natural resource management, was one of the most debated topics. There was consensus that the goal is not only economic growth but also ensuring that the Dayak people can maintain their cultural identity and environmental stewardship in the process.

To achieve this, they recognized the importance of establishing strong networks between Dayak intellectuals and higher education institutions, both within Indonesia and internationally. Through these collaborations, they hope to open more opportunities for Dayak youth to pursue higher education and doctoral studies and to bring back knowledge to the community, applying it to local economic development and cultural preservation.

Building a Smart and Independent Future for the Dayak

This gathering reflects the great spirit to create a future that is intelligent, independent, and globally competitive for the Dayak people. These intellectuals are not only fighting for education and human resource development but also for the sustainability of their culture and economy, grounded in local wisdom. 

With strong collaboration, they are optimistic that the Dayak community can face global challenges while maintaining its identity in the midst of advancing modernity.

The Significance of the Human Development Index (HDI) Publication for Sekadau

One of the key discussions among Dayak intellectuals in recent times has been the publication of the Human Development Index /HDI Indeks Pembangunan Manusia - IPM) research results for Sekadau, which was compiled into a comprehensive book. This research, crucial for understanding the region’s social and economic development, is a significant effort in mapping out the progress and challenges faced by the people of Sekadau. The book not only serves as a detailed report but also as a tool to assess the effectiveness of local development policies and initiatives.

The publication itself is a high-quality, 198-page book, printed on 100-gram HVS paper, and produced in full color. Its format ensures that the information is both accessible and visually engaging, offering clear insights into the HDI data and its implications. This publication is more than just a set of statistics; it tells the story of the region’s human development, encompassing education, healthcare, income, and other crucial indicators that contribute to a better quality of life for the people of Sekadau.

What makes this book even more important is its role as both a reference and a guide for various stakeholders in Sekadau Regency. Local government officials, policymakers, and community leaders can use this book to evaluate the success of their development strategies and identify areas for improvement. As a result, it is an essential resource that not only reflects the achievements of Sekadau but also lays the foundation for future progress, ensuring that development continues in a direction that benefits everyone in the region.

--Apai Deraman