Revolutionizing Rice Farming: Herman’s Legacy in Jangkang
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| Herman van Hulten introduced wet-rice farming in Jangkang, Sanggau Regency, since the 1950s. Doc. van Hulten. |
SANGGAU - dayaktoday.com: This is a view of the rice cultivation system with irrigation, or paddy fields, pioneered by Herman van Hulten in Jangkang. The caption behind this image reads: The photo was taken in 1953. It shows the first paddy field in the Jangkang region.
The system of wet-rice cultivation, or paddy farming, has been practiced by the Dayak people, particularly the Bidayuhik Dayaks in Jangkang, Sanggau Regency, since the 1950s. It was introduced by a Dutch missionary, Herman van Hulten. Before this, the Dayak people primarily cultivated rice in dry fields or swidden agriculture.
According to Herman in his 1983 book (Mijn Leven met de Daya's: 1938 - 1974) , he was supported in both the conceptualization and execution of this project by the then Archbishop of Pontianak, Mgr. Herculanus van der Burgt, who was also an agricultural engineer.
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Thus, the Church played a dual role: not only guiding the Dayak people spiritually by introducing them to the Gospel but also liberating them from poverty through practical means.
The Dayak People's Journey: Freedom, Progress, and the Legacy of Catholic Missions
The Dayak people today have broken free from the chains of structural poverty, making remarkable progress in education and healthcare while asserting their political sovereignty. This transformation didn’t happen overnight—it was largely shaped by the efforts of the Church and Catholic missions. Long before modern development programs took root, the Catholic missionaries played a pivotal role in uplifting the Dayak community, providing not only spiritual guidance but also access to knowledge and essential services.
Catholic missions first arrived in West Borneo in 1905, a time when indigenous communities faced immense challenges, from lack of formal education to limited healthcare facilities. Shortly after their arrival, missionaries established a school in Nyarumkop, a small yet significant step toward educating the Dayak people. Alongside education, they built hospitals in Pontianak and Singkawang, ensuring better healthcare access for communities that had long been neglected. These institutions laid the groundwork for the Dayak people's journey toward self-sufficiency.
Beyond education and healthcare, the Catholic mission also nurtured a new generation of Dayak leaders. Recognizing that true empowerment required political representation, the missionaries played a key role in shaping Dayak intellectuals and politicians. Figures like Oevaang Oeray, Palaun Soeka, and Djelani emerged as prominent national leaders, advocating for Dayak rights and influencing policies that shaped the region. Their rise to power was a testament to the mission’s long-term impact on the political awakening of the Dayak people.
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Today, the Dayak people stand as a testament to resilience and progress, no longer confined by historical injustices or systemic barriers. The legacy of the Church and its missions remains deeply embedded in the region’s social fabric, influencing generations of leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals.
As they continue to build a prosperous future, the Dayak people honor their past while shaping their own destiny, proving that faith, education, and determination can drive meaningful change.
The Role of the Catholic Mission in Uplifting the Dayak People
The Dayak Jangkang, along with the broader Dayak population, has witnessed profound transformations in their economic, social, health, and educational standing, largely due to the dedicated efforts of Catholic missionaries. Before the arrival of the Mission, many Dayak communities lived in remote areas with limited access to modern healthcare, structured education, and economic development. The introduction of mission schools provided the Dayak people with literacy, numeracy, and vocational skills, allowing them to participate more actively in regional economies and government affairs.
In addition to education, missionary hospitals and clinics drastically improved healthcare accessibility, reducing mortality rates and eradicating preventable diseases that had long plagued the community. The Mission also introduced agricultural techniques, trade opportunities, and cooperative economic models that enabled the Dayak people to achieve greater financial stability. The Church’s unwavering commitment to social upliftment not only provided the Dayak with opportunities for advancement but also fostered a sense of pride and resilience within their communities.
Over time, the integration of modern education and healthcare, coupled with a deep respect for Dayak traditions, allowed them to transition into a more prosperous and empowered society while maintaining their cultural identity.
The Catholic Church in Borneo has been instrumental in elevating the dignity and social standing of the Dayak people. Unlike many other indigenous groups that struggled against the tides of modernity, the Dayak found a powerful ally in the Church, which not only provided essential services but also advocated for their rights and place in the larger national framework. Missionaries worked tirelessly to ensure that Dayak children received education, women had access to better healthcare, and communities had pathways to economic self-sufficiency.
Beyond tangible contributions, the Catholic Church played a crucial role in shaping the identity and self-worth of the Dayak people. By instilling values of discipline, knowledge, and self-reliance, the Church helped the Dayak navigate the challenges of modernization while preserving their unique traditions and social structures. Many Dayak leaders, educators, and professionals today owe their success to the foundational support provided by Catholic institutions.
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For generations, the Dayak have regarded the Catholic Church with deep gratitude, recognizing its immense contributions to their social and economic progress. Without the Church’s presence and advocacy, the Dayak people might have faced greater marginalization and fewer opportunities for advancement.
The legacy of the Church’s mission remains a testament to the power of faith-driven service, proving that genuine progress is achieved not by erasing indigenous identities, but by empowering them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a changing world.
-- Masri Sareb Putra