Tirusel: The Commander of Ulong Daa from Krayan

Tirusel STP, S.E., M.Si. Photo credit: Sel.

Tirusel STP, S.E., M.Si., was born on April 9, 1962, in Ba' Binuang Village, Krayan Tengah District, Nunukan Regency. He is the fourth child of S. Tipa Padan and M. Ruslen Betung, with his father coming from the Dayak Lengilo' Binuang sub-ethnic group and his mother from the Dayak Lengilo' Daleng sub-ethnic group.

Known by his nickname Sel, Tirusel is recognized as someone who has not only left a mark in his career in government and the Dayak Indigenous community but also as a figure deeply immersed in the cultural environment of his Dayak tribe in Krayan, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan.

Since his university days, Tirusel STP has been active in advocating for and advancing his community. His education began at SDN Ba' Binuang, Krayan, and continued at SDN Tanjung Lapang, Malinau, before completing his elementary education in 1975. His educational journey, marked by frequent moves, reflects his determination and passion for learning, despite the geographical challenges of the isolated Krayan Highlands in Borneo.

He completed his secondary education at Tunas Kasih Tarakan Christian School, graduating from elementary school in 1977, junior high school in 1981, and senior high school in 1984. In the same year, Tirusel STP continued his higher education at the Faculty of Economics, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, earning a Diploma in Accounting (D-3) in 1988. He then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Widya Gama Mahakam University, Samarinda, graduating in 1991. Tirusel later earned a Master of Social Science (M.Si.) degree from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Mulawarman University, in 2007.

Career, Work, and Service 

Tirusel STP began his career as a staff member at the "Citra Niaga" Market Traders Cooperative in Samarinda from 1988 to 1991, demonstrating his early commitment to local economic development. During the same period, he founded the NGO Gemapala-Krayan and served as its chairman from 1990 to 1996, focusing on the social advocacy of the Dayak Indigenous community and environmental issues in Krayan.

His public service career began as Secretary at the Regional Revenue Service of Malinau Regency from 2000 to 2012. In 2012, he was appointed Head of the Economic and Investment Division at the Malinau Regency Secretariat, showcasing his capabilities in managing the region's economy. From 2017 to 2019, Tirusel served as Head of the Investment, Integrated One-Stop Service, and Manpower Department of Malinau Regency, where he succeeded in improving investment and public services in the region.

In addition to his government career, Tirusel STP has been an active researcher and writer since 1992. One of his research works, titled Tanah Ulen (Customary Land) in the Dayak Community of Long Uli Village, Bulungan Regency, East Kalimantan, was published by the Oxford Forestry Institute, University of Oxford.

Tirusel also authored the book Jejak Peradaban Manusia Dayak Krayan (Dayak Lengilo’) di Sungai Krayan (The Footprints of Dayak Krayan Civilization along the Krayan River), published by the Dayak Literacy Institute (LLD), and assisted researchers from the University of Oxford in their doctoral programs.

Panglima Ulong Daa 

Tirusel's passion for Dayak culture and traditions is reflected in his efforts to establish the Dayak Lengilo’ Ulong Da’a Arts Studio in Malinau and Krayan, as well as in founding various indigenous community organizations such as the Forum for Indigenous Community Consultation of Lon Taw Sungai Krayan and Iraw Apo’ Anak Bawang Krayan Tengah.

Additionally, he has been actively supporting the Punan Toy Dayak people in Krayan in preserving their traditions and culture through the Dayak Punan Toy Arts Studio.

In his personal life, Tirusel STP is married to Heppi Ramat, S.Pd., and they have four children.

His dedication to public service, love for Dayak culture, and commitment to building a better future for the Dayak Indigenous community make Tirusel STP an inspirational role model for many.

For his contributions and deep affection for Dayak arts and culture in Malinau and Krayan, North Kalimantan, Tirusel is honored with the title Panglima Ulong Daa, evoking the image of a warrior from the past who built a towering pillar adorned with skulls. This title symbolizes Tirusel's devotion to Dayak culture, aiming to raise it high so that it is recognized by others.

Through his life journey, Sel affirms that with hard work, determination, and love for his homeland, anything is possible to achieve.

Tirusel STP, S.E., M.Si., stands as a living testament that the strength of character and the spirit of service can bring about positive change for society and the environment around him.

-- Rangkaya Bada