The Dayak Bank: The Credit Union (CU) That Drives Financial Literacy for the Dayak People

 

The Dayak people today have risen to the upper middle class: financial literacy has been pioneered by the grassroots economic movement of Credit Unions (CU), and the Dayak have become adept at managing their finances. Illustration by: AI.

Preamble

DAYAK TODAY - PONTIANAK:  The title of this narrative seems to hint at a contradictio in terminis — an internal contradiction. Why? Because banks and Credit Unions (CUs) are fundamentally different entities, even though they both operate in the financial sector. One is a bank, and the other is a cooperative. Yet, they share a common goal: to empower the economy. Uniquely, CUs can only grow in environments where trust and compassion flourish.

To support the explanation of why Credit Unions thrive in the Dayak community, which is known for its honesty and trust, the editorial can include a series of articles based on in-depth research by Masri Sareb Putra, M.A. These articles will delve deeper into cultural values, the philosophy of ugahari (simplicity), and the community practices that provide a solid foundation for the development of Credit Unions in this region.

The phrase contradictio in terminis —a contradiction in terms— applies when calling a Credit Union (CU) a "Dayak bank." Why? Because their principles are fundamentally different. A bank is a bank, whereas a CU operates on cooperative principles. While both are financial institutions, their foundations and goals differ: banks generate wealth for their owners, whereas CUs create prosperity for their members.

That said, when explaining CU to outsiders, people often simplify it by saying, "CU is the Dayak bank." It’s not technically accurate, but it gets the point across.

If a Credit Union (CU) can thrive among the Dayak people, it speaks volumes. In a country where cooperatives often struggle due to a crisis of trust, the success of CU in Dayak communities proves something powerful.

Read Warga Adat Krayan Hulu Demo Tuntut Perubahan

First, it shows that trust is still alive. While many cooperatives in Indonesia fail because members lose faith in the system, CU’s growth among the Dayak people proves that trust can be built and sustained.

Second, it represents economic independence. CU isn’t just about saving and borrowing—it’s about empowering communities to manage their own finances. Unlike traditional banks that enrich their owners, CU enriches its members. For the Dayak people, this means taking control of their economic future and becoming masters of their own land.

Third, CU is more than just a financial institution—it’s a social and cultural movement. It strengthens community bonds, supports education, funds small businesses, and even helps preserve traditions and local wisdom. More than just money, CU fosters belarasa—a deep sense of shared responsibility and mutual care.

In short, the rise of CU among the Dayak isn’t just about finance. It’s a sign of resilience, self-sufficiency, and a community standing strong against the forces of change.

The CU service area: a shared space

Three trillion. 

Yes, let me say it again: three trillion rupiahs. That’s the total assets of CUs in West Kalimantan — an extraordinary figure! 

CUs are often called the "Dayak Bank" where people can access financial services even in flip-flops, as long as they meet the straightforward requirements. No need for complicated procedures; trust is all that matters.

Read Promotion of Professor at Universitas Tanjungpura: Eusabinus Bunau Officially Becomes a Professor

In the CU service area — not a customer hall like in banks — the interactions are filled with simplicity and camaraderie. Here, we are not just clients; we are also co-owners. While waiting in line, I met humble villagers, some carrying their money in black plastic bags, ready to deposit it. 

One of them was a childhood friend of mine, who now owns a truck and had just sold seven tons of harvested palm oil. He deposited his earnings into the CU — a testament to the trust CUs have earned in the community.

A deeper form of simplicity, known as ugahari, is a hallmark of Dayak life. This philosophy is reflected in how they manage finances at CUs: enough, no excess, and always responsible. Similar to the Javanese phrase "sak madyo," this principle embodies harmony and balance, forming the foundation of trust and sustainability for CUs.

Capitalism outward, socialism inward

The grassroots economy thriving in West Kalimantan is an inspiring reality. Munaldus, M.A., one of the founders of CU Keling Kumang, described CUs as a solution to “stop the hemorrhaging of structural poverty.” The philosophy of "villages encircling cities" with their community-based economic systems has been proven through the success of Keling Kumang Group (KKG) stores.

In 2016, I authored a book titled 40 Years of CU Lantang Tipo, documenting the historical journey of how this cooperative grew through trust and compassion within its community. 

As Munaldus put it, CU’s foundation lies in trust, as reflected in the etymology of "credit" from the Latin credere, meaning to believe. Without trust, a cooperative collapses. This explains why many cooperatives fail, except those that successfully build a solid foundation of mutual confidence.

The role of Credit Unions in West Kalimantan

In 2018, CU Keling Kumang celebrated its 25th anniversary, and I was invited to write another book 25 Tahun CU Keling Kumang: Kerajaan Buah Main Keling Kumang. -- 25 Years of CU Keling Kumang: The Kingdom of Buah Main Keling Kumang.

This book chronicles the CU’s journey, driven by the collective spirit of Dayak people who believe in helping each other. The core concept of CUs — I help you, you help me — reflects this compassionate ethos.

Read Longhouses of the Dayak People: An Intriguing and Meaningful Tourist Attraction

CUs are not just economic tools but also symbols of empowerment and independence. In the annual 100 Largest Cooperatives in Indonesia report published by the Ministry of Cooperatives, prominent CUs like Lantang Tipo, Pancur Kasih, Keling Kumang, Khatulistiwa Bhakti, and Semarong consistently top the list. This is tangible evidence of how Article 33 of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution is enacted by the Dayak people.

The growth of CUs in West Kalimantan, particularly in Kalbar, is an extraordinary phenomenon. Beyond being economic solutions, CUs embody the spirit and vitality of the Dayak people, who deeply value trust and compassion. 

Guided by the principle of ugahari, CUs forge ahead as financial institutions that build community solidarity, break the chains of poverty, and realize a people-centered economy. This is the true face of the "Dayak Bank": simple, humble, yet profoundly impactful.

-- Masri Sareb Putra