Adil ka’ Talino: Tracing the Meaning of "Adil ka' Talino, Bacuramin ka' Saruga, Basengat ka' Jubata"—A Greeting That Connects the Dayak World
In this world, the Dayak is one of the ethnic groups that has an international greeting used everywhere before Dayak customary events and major ceremonies. Model: Liana Seriestha, Dayak Bidayuh, Miss World Malaysia 2014.
JAKARTA - dayaktoday.com: It is not easy to unite and bring together an ethnic group spread across vast regions and different places. However, the Dayak people have managed to do it.
The Dayak have a greeting used worldwide, proving that when united, they can achieve extraordinary things.
The deep meaning behind the Greeting
The Dayak people of Borneo have long been known for their resilience, adaptability, and deep connection to nature.
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One of their most profound cultural expressions is the greeting: "Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramin Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata." At first glance, these words may seem like a simple customary greeting, but their meaning goes far beyond mere politeness. They embody a philosophy of life that has guided the Dayak for generations.
- "Adil ka' Talino" translates to "Justice for Humanity" or "Fairness Among People." It represents the fundamental belief in equality, respect, and balance in social life.
- "Bacuramin ka' Saruga" means "Reflect Heaven in Your Actions," emphasizing the need to cultivate righteousness, honesty, and integrity in daily life.
- "Basengat ka' Jubata" refers to "Living in Harmony with the Divine" or "Breathing the Spirit of God," a reminder that human life is deeply connected to nature and the spiritual world. This phrase is not just a greeting but a moral compass, a guiding principle that has shaped the Dayak way of life for centuries.
From local wisdom to a Symbol of Dayak Identity
The origins of this greeting trace back to the traditions of the Kanayatn Dayak people in West Borneo. However, it wasn't until 1975 that the phrase started gaining widespread recognition beyond local communities.
By 1985, during the Naik Dango ceremony (a major Dayak agricultural celebration) in Anjungan, Pontianak, it was formally adopted as the cultural motto of the Dayak people in West Kalimantan. Prominent figures like F. Bahudin Kay, M. Ikot Rinding, and R.A. Rachmad Syahuddin played a crucial role in legitimizing this phrase as a symbol of unity and identity.
Over time, the phrase grew beyond its original context and became an emblem of Dayak pride, used in cultural events, official ceremonies, and even political discourse to assert indigenous identity and rights.
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The strength of this greeting lies in its ability to unify a diverse and widespread people. The Dayak are not a single tribe but a collective identity encompassing over 151 sub-ethnic groups across Borneo, stretching into Malaysia and Brunei.
Despite differences in dialects, customs, and spiritual beliefs, this phrase resonates universally among them. In 1994, the phrase was officially incorporated into the Majelis Adat Dayak (MAD)—the Dayak Customary Council—solidifying its role as a central tenet of Dayak philosophy. Leaders such as Yakobus Kumis and S. Jacobus E. Frans L. championed its use in governance, education, and cultural preservation.
The phrase represents a call for fairness and social justice, especially in the face of challenges such as land disputes, deforestation, and marginalization.
As the Dayak people confront rapid modernization, industrial expansion, and political changes, "Adil Ka' Talino" serves as a reminder to uphold justice, defend indigenous rights, and foster unity within the community. This principle has also been embraced by the younger generation, who now use it as a rallying cry in activism, education, and digital media. From Dayak youth organizations to academic discussions and even online campaigns, the phrase continues to inspire and mobilize people across Borneo and beyond.
"Auk" to "Arus": A Shift toward the Future
Traditionally, when someone greeted another with "Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramin Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata," the response was a simple "Auk", meaning "Yes" or "Amen." However, as the Dayak people sought to redefine and strengthen their cultural identity, a significant change was made. During the Second Congress of the Dayak Customary Council in 2001 (held from September 18–21), leaders decided to replace "Auk" with a new response: "Arus…arus…arus."
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This seemingly small change carried deep symbolic weight. "Arus" translates to "flow" or "keep moving forward." By repeating it three times, the phrase emphasizes continuity, perseverance, and the unstoppable force of Dayak resilience.
The shift reflects the evolving nature of Dayak culture—a recognition that while traditions must be preserved, they must also adapt to contemporary challenges. "Arus" signifies the fluidity of culture, allowing it to evolve while retaining its core essence, a call to action, urging the Dayak people to continue their struggle for rights, recognition, and sustainability, and a metaphor for life itself, constantly in motion, just like the rivers that have sustained the Dayak people for millennia.
This change was widely accepted and is now the standard response whenever the greeting is used in formal or informal settings.
"Adil Ka' Talino, Bacuramin Ka' Saruga, Basengat Ka' Jubata" is more than just a greeting; it is a philosophy, a movement, and a legacy. It represents the soul of the Dayak people, reminding them of their shared values, their connection to the spiritual world, and their responsibility to uphold justice and unity.
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The transition from "Auk" to "Arus" is a testament to the Dayak people's adaptability and resilience. In a world that is rapidly changing, they continue to honor their past while forging a path forward.
As long as this phrase is spoken, the Dayak spirit will endure—flowing like the great rivers of Borneo, never stopping, never fading, always moving forward.
Arus…arus…arus!
Greetings as a Reflection of Noble Character
For the Dayak people, greetings are not merely a formality but a profound expression of respect, wisdom, and interconnectedness.
Every word carries meaning, deeply rooted in tradition and the understanding that human life exists in harmony with nature, ancestors, and the divine.
In Dayak culture, communication is not just about exchanging words—it is about honoring relationships, affirming values, and recognizing the sacred balance that sustains all existence.
One of the most well-known expressions among the Dayak is "Adi ka' talino bacuramin ke saruga basengat ka' Jubata." This saying encapsulates a worldview in which humanity is seen as a reflection of heaven (bacuramin ke saruga), while life itself—breath, existence, and vitality—comes from the divine (basengat ka' Jubata). It is a reminder that people should live with dignity, guided by spiritual values, and always maintain respect for the cosmic order. This phrase also reflects the Dayak belief in the unseen forces that shape their lives—ancestral spirits, the natural world, and the omnipresent Creator who governs all things.
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Another significant term in Dayak tradition is "arus." Though simple in appearance, this word carries profound spiritual weight. It serves as a strong affirmation, similar to fiat in Latin, meaning let it be done!
In ceremonies, prayers, and communal decisions, arus is used to signal acceptance, agreement, and the acknowledgment of fate unfolding as intended. It embodies trust in the divine will, the collective spirit of the community, and the readiness to embrace whatever comes with courage and faith.
Together, these expressions illustrate the richness of Dayak culture, where language is not just a tool for communication but a bridge between the past, present, and future.
Through greetings and affirmations, the Dayak people reaffirm their connection to one another, to their ancestors, and to the vast, sacred universe in which they dwell.
-- Masri Sareb Putra