"Dayak" as a Standardized Term: A Unifying Identity
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| The Dayak people from Indonesia and Malaysia today have no boundaries. They can meet anywhere, anytime. This is a gathering of Dayak camaraderie, the academics, at a coffee shop in Serian, Sarawak. Photo by Clemens Joy. |
Dayak, in fact, is a collective name used to refer to all the indigenous people of Varuna-dvipa, the name for Borneo during the era of Hindu-Indian influence, after the deglaciation.
The first use of the terminology "Dajak"
This division reflects the extraordinary linguistic, cultural, and social diversity within the Dayak population.
Each subgroup possesses unique traditions, languages, and rituals while maintaining strong ties to shared ancestral roots.
Today, the global Dayak population is estimated to be no less than 8 million.
Diverse names for indigenous Borneo communities
In English-language literature, the Indigenous peoples of Borneo are referred to using various terms, including Dyak, Dayak, and Daya’.Dutch writings commonly used Daya, Dayaker, or even binnenlander (inhabitant of the interior). These variations highlight the perspectives of different colonial powers. Despite this diversity, the term “Dayak” was officially standardised in 1992. This occurred during an international seminar organised by the Institute of Dayakology Research and Development (IDRD) in Pontianak.
The name “Dayak” serves as an umbrella term for the Indigenous peoples of Greater Borneo. These communities are broadly divided into seven major ethnic groups (stammenras), encompassing 405 sub-ethnicities.
This categorisation reflects the extraordinary cultural, linguistic, and traditional diversity among these peoples. The choice of “Dayak” as a unifying name reflects a broader effort to strengthen identity.
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The Significance of a Unified Dayak Identity in the Fight for Land Rights
Standardizing the term “Dayak” symbolizes more than just linguistic unity—it represents a broader acknowledgment of the shared identity among the Indigenous peoples of Kalimantan. This collective identity is crucial in fostering resilience and ensuring the survival of their cultural heritage in an increasingly modernized world.
At the heart of this struggle lies the issue of land rights. Ancestral lands are more than just physical spaces for the Dayak; they embody centuries of history, tradition, and spiritual significance. However, these lands face growing threats from deforestation, mining, and large-scale agricultural projects. Without formal recognition and legal protection, Dayak communities risk losing not only their homes but also their way of life.
Securing land rights is not just a matter of ownership—it is a fundamental step toward economic independence, environmental stewardship, and cultural survival.
To confront these challenges, a strong and unified Dayak identity is essential. Strengthening this identity requires collaboration at multiple levels—local, national, and international.
By advocating for their rights through legal frameworks, educational initiatives, and international partnerships, the Dayak people can amplify their voices and ensure that their heritage is preserved for future generations.
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Despite the obstacles they face, the Dayak’s rich traditions and enduring resilience offer hope for the future. Their ability to adapt while maintaining their cultural roots serves as a testament to their strength. Through unity and collective action, they can safeguard their lands, protect their identity, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Dayak People: Ancient Inhabitants of Borneo and the Legacy of Hindu-Indian Influence
Today, the term "Dayak" is commonly used to refer to the indigenous people of Borneo, regarded as the First Nation and the heirs of this vast and culturally rich island. Borneo, known for its immense size —743,330 square kilometers (287,000 square miles)— is the third-largest island in the world, about twice the size of Germany. This land, which has witnessed countless histories, cultures, and traditions, is deeply tied to the Dayak people, whose ancestral roots stretch back over 40,000 years.
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Excavations at the Niah Caves in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, have provided evidence of the Dayak ancestors' long history in the region, showing they have inhabited the caves since prehistoric times.
According to researchers like Blust and Bellwood, the Dayak civilization predates much of what we know as the modern world, having existed since the Ice Age or even earlier.
Today, writers, journalists, scholars, and academics from universities around the world agree that the Dayak people, from this land and beyond, are not only the original inhabitants of Borneo, but they also carry the legacy of Hindu-Indian influence that shaped the island’s history.
The names "Borneo" and "Kalimantan" come from the ancient Sanskrit term "Varuna-dvipa." This reflects the island’s deep cultural and historical ties to the Indian subcontinent. During the Hindu-Indian era, these connections played a key role in shaping the region’s identity and heritage.
Marginalization and Land Rights Challenges Facing the Dayak People
The Dayak people, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo, have faced increasing marginalization over the years, particularly in relation to land rights.
Despite their deep ancestral ties to the island—dating back over 40,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological findings at the Niah Caves in Sarawak —they continue to struggle against policies and economic pressures that threaten their traditional way of life.
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One of the most pressing issues facing the Dayak people is the large-scale appropriation of their ancestral land for commercial purposes, including palm oil plantations, mining, and widespread deforestation. These industries, driven by both domestic and international economic interests, have drastically altered the landscape of Borneo, threatening not only the ecological balance but also the cultural and social fabric of the Dayak communities.
The conversion of vast forested areas into monoculture plantations and mining sites has led to habitat destruction, water contamination, and biodiversity loss, further exacerbating environmental crises in the region.
Government policies and corporate interests have played a significant role in this land appropriation, often disregarding indigenous land rights and customary laws. In many cases, legal frameworks fail to recognize traditional land tenure systems, allowing companies to acquire large concessions without proper consultation with affected communities.
Despite existing regulations and international commitments to indigenous rights, enforcement remains weak, and the Dayak people continue to face displacement from their ancestral lands.
The marginalization of indigenous voices in decision-making processes has led to conflicts, legal battles, and social unrest, as communities struggle to assert their rights in the face of powerful economic and political forces.
The loss of land is not merely a legal or economic issue but also a threat to the survival of Dayak traditions and way of life. Land is deeply intertwined with their identity, rituals, and subsistence practices, from shifting cultivation to forest-based livelihoods.
The forced relocation of communities disrupts their social structures, erodes traditional knowledge, and limits their ability to practice sustainable land management. As a result, many Dayak people are forced into wage labor or migration, leading to cultural disintegration and economic vulnerability.
Addressing this crisis requires a commitment to indigenous land rights, sustainable development models, and genuine engagement with the Dayak people to ensure they remain the stewards of their own land.
Many Dayak communities rely on customary land tenure systems, but these are frequently unrecognized by national legal frameworks, making it easier for external parties to claim and exploit their territories.
The legal recognition of indigenous land rights remains weak in many parts of Borneo. While some governments have introduced measures to acknowledge native customary rights (NCR), enforcement remains inconsistent.
Bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and lack of political will often result in land disputes that favor corporations over indigenous communities. Many Dayak groups find themselves in prolonged legal battles, with limited resources to fight against well-funded industrial giants.
The destruction of Dayak lands does not only mean the loss of territory but also the erosion of cultural identity. Traditional knowledge, spiritual practices, and sustainable farming methods that have been passed down for generations are under threat.
Logging and plantation expansion have led to deforestation, disrupting the delicate ecosystem that Dayak communities depend on. The loss of sacred forests and communal lands further weakens social cohesion and cultural continuity.
Dayak people refuse to remain silent
Despite these challenges, the Dayak people refuse to remain silent. They fight with all their strength and resources to defend their ancestral lands.
Indigenous organizations, activists, and legal experts are working to push for stronger land rights policies and greater recognition of customary land ownership. Through protests, legal battles, and international advocacy, the Dayak continue to resist encroachment and demand justice.
Their struggle is not just about land—it is about survival, dignity, and the preservation of a heritage that has existed for millennia.
The Dayak’s resistance reflects the broader global fight of indigenous peoples against displacement and exploitation, proving that they will not surrender their rights without a fight.
- Masri Sareb Putra