The Dayak of Today: A Story of Strength and Progress
 |
| Today, the Dayak people stand as a shining example of resilience, intellectual achievement, and economic growth. Photo credit: author. |
PONTIANAK - dayaktoday.com: The Dayak people have long been misunderstood and misrepresented. For decades, the images of the Dayak, shaped by foreign travelers, writers, and photographers, often painted them as a primitive, isolated group living in the past.
These depictions, filled with stereotypes and misconceptions, reinforced a narrative of the Dayak as being behind the times and disconnected from modern progress. However, this outdated view no longer reflects the reality of who the Dayak are today.
Over the years, this community has evolved, and their story is now one of remarkable transformation and empowerment.
Read also Unpacking the Labeling of the Dayak in the Past
Today, the Dayak people stand as a shining example of resilience, intellectual achievement, and economic growth.
From achieving academic excellence, with professors, doctors, and entrepreneurs among their ranks, to securing leadership positions in local and regional government, the Dayak are redefining their place in society.
With thriving businesses, successful educational institutions, and an ever-growing presence in various fields, the Dayak of today are a far cry from the marginalized image of the past. This narrative is one of strength, progress, and a future full of promise
The Dayak Today, Not the Past
The image of the Dayak people in the past has often been shaped by foreign travelers, writers, and photographers, who portrayed them in a one-dimensional, often negative light.
The Dayaks were seen as primitive, backward, or isolated. But these outdated stereotypes belong to a past that is no longer relevant. The Dayak people today stand as a powerful, proud community, far removed from the limiting narratives that once confined them. They've proven themselves not just as cultural preservers, but as competitive players in the modern world.
The Dayak Today: Rising Intellectual and Economic Power
Today, the Dayak story is one of remarkable achievement. With growing pride, the Dayak people are now recognized as a community excelling in numerous fields.
There are 37 Dayak professors, showcasing their excellence in academia. Thousands of doctors and tens of thousands of masters across various disciplines stand as a testament to the intellectual prowess of the Dayak people. Not to mention the thousands of graduates spreading their influence across Indonesia and abroad. Politically, Dayak people have made their mark, with several holding positions as regents, including two serving as deputy governors of Kalimantan Barat and Kalimantan Utara.
Additionally, Dayak entrepreneurs own successful businesses, including prominent hotels like Hotel Ladja in Sintang, symbolizing the economic progress of the community.
Dayak's Non-Banking Financial Institutions: The CU Credit Union
In the economic realm, the Dayak people have also made significant strides. One prime example is the Credit Union (CU), a non-bank financial institution owned by the Dayak community.
The CU serves not only as a means for the Dayak people to grow their businesses but also as a valuable financial resource that supports their overall well-being. This institution has flourished and stands as a model for community-based financial organizations that thrive on a national level.
Keling Kumang Institute of Technology: A Bright Future Ahead
The Dayak community has also established a respected higher education institution. The Keling Kumang Institute of Technology (Institut Teknologi Keling Kumang - ITKK) in Sekadau, West Kalimantan, is a source of great pride.
On August 5, 2024, ITKK earned an Indonesia Record Museum (MURI) award for being the first university managed by the Dayak community to simultaneously publish 60 books with ISBN numbers.
Read also Keling Kumang Institute of Technology: The Harvard of Bumi Lawang Kuwari
This achievement underscores that the Dayak people are not just preserving traditions but are also contributing significantly to the world of knowledge and literacy. This milestone reflects the growing educational attainment and readiness of the Dayak people to tackle global challenges.
A New Image of the Dayak People
Today, the image of the Dayak people has undergone a profound transformation. No longer trapped by outdated stereotypes, the Dayak community now presents a picture of real progress.
Read The Dayak Stigma and Unintended Consequence
Through achievements in education, business, and leadership, they are emerging as a proud and inspiring example to other communities. The Dayak people are writing a new history for themselves, and their future is bright.
-- Apai Deraman