Red Warriors of Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng (TBBR) Criticized for Bestowing Honorary Titles on Two Non-Dayak Figures

Panglima Jilah among the Red Warriors of TBBR. Doc. LLD.

🌍 DAYAK TODAY  | PONTIANAK:  Pasukan Merah Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng - The Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng (TBBR), a respected Dayak warrior group, has bestowed one of its highest honorary titles upon a state minister and a senior government official. 

The recognition, granted under the leadership of Panglima Jilah (PJ), was meant to acknowledge the contributions of these figures.

 However, the move has ignited fierce debate, with critics questioning the appropriateness of granting such prestigious Dayak honors to non-Dayak individuals.

TBBR Honors Government Officials, Sparks Heated Debate

The controversy took center stage in the WhatsApp group Literasi Dayak, where discussions unfolded over three consecutive days. 

Community members and scholars passionately debated whether it was appropriate to honor outsiders while Dayak figures themselves often go unrecognized. 

Read Strategi Penguasaan Borneo oleh Hindia Belanda

"Why are we giving titles to outsiders when so many of our own leaders and cultural guardians remain unappreciated?" one participant asked. 

Others expressed concern that such a move set a troubling precedent, potentially diluting the significance of Dayak traditions.

Some critics went further, arguing that TBBR should not speak on behalf of the entire Dayak community. 

"If this is a TBBR internal decision, then let it remain internal," one commentator asserted.

 Another voice echoed this sentiment, adding, "Dayak titles should be reserved for the Dayak people. Any recognition for outsiders should be merely symbolic, not on par with what we bestow upon our own."

Supporters of the move, however, defended the decision, arguing that honoring influential figures outside the Dayak community could strengthen ties with national leadership and foster greater advocacy for Dayak rights. 

Read Dayak Bukan Berasal dari Yunnan tapi dari Gua Niah

"This is a strategic move," one supporter suggested. "By building relationships with key decision-makers, we increase awareness and support for Dayak issues at the national level."

TBBR Responds: "Honorary Title, Not Representation of All Dayak People"

Amid the growing debate, a TBBR representative stepped forward to clarify the organization’s stance. 

"We will issue a formal clarification," the official said. "This title was given purely as an honorary recognition and does not represent the collective will of the entire Dayak community." 

The statement sought to ease concerns that TBBR was acting as a sole representative of the Dayak people, whose population exceeds 8 million across Borneo, including Indonesia, Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei Darussalam.

Read FILSAFAT DAYAK Usaha Rasional

Despite the clarification, the issue remains a flashpoint, highlighting broader tensions within the Dayak community regarding cultural preservation and self-determination. 

Many Dayak intellectuals and activists argue that indigenous institutions should prioritize honoring their own people, ensuring that those who have dedicated their lives to preserving Dayak heritage receive the recognition they deserve.

The controversy also raises deeper questions about the intersection of tradition and politics. 

As indigenous groups navigate their role within modern governance structures, the debate over who gets honored—and why—will likely continue to shape discussions on Dayak identity and representation in the years to come. 

--Rangkaya Bada