Knowledge System of the Dayak People

Portrait of contemporary Dayak women: Modern, beautiful, glowing: no longer with long earlobes, bare-chested, and barefoot as depicted by Western writers in the past. Credit: FB Gadis Dayak Awesome.

The current population of the Dayak people is at least 8 million. There are 7 major ethnic groups, and 407 sub-ethnic groups, scattered across Borneo in 3 countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam.

It is fascinating to observe the indigenous knowledge system of the ethnic group believed to be the native inhabitants of the third largest island in the world, Borneo. This is something that remains unknown to many.

Who is "Manusia Dayak"?

The term "Manusia Dayak" intentionally uses "manusia" (human) instead of "orang" (people). Is there a difference? Indeed, there is. "Manusia" refers to the essential understanding, deeply rooted: a sentient being capable of reasoning, an entity capable of mastering other beings (KBBI).

On the other hand, "orang" simply means a human being in a specific context. In the fields and farms, human-like statues, called "orang-orangan," are installed to scare away birds, rats, or other pests that may harm rice crops.

The Dayak people are sentient beings with reasoning abilities. Therefore, the community known as the custodians of Borneo, the third-largest island in the world with an area of 743,330 km², is referred to as "Manusia Dayak." It was appropriate when Dr. Mkhail Coomans, Bishop of Samarinda, published his dissertation on the indigenous population of Borneo in East Kalimantan, which was later published by PT Gramedia Manusia Daya in 1987.

Back then, there were various terms used to refer to the indigenous people of Borneo, and it wasn't until 1994 that a consensus was reached to use the term "Dayak."

Knowledge System of the Dayak People by Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.

Entering the realm of Epistemology, I have been researching the subject of "Manusia Dayak" recently. This subject is vast, so it needs to be narrowed down. There are many novelties yet to be explored, especially by foreign researchers, anthropologists, and writers (from the West).

For instance, the concept of wealth according to the Dayak people, with an approach and perspective —after discussions with Prof. Samsul Wahidin— suggested to use the Third Wave perspective of Toffler.

The statement by Minister of Education and Culture, Makarim, that in today's era, competence is crucial, not (solely) relying on degrees, prompts us to reflect on the practices of the Dayak ancestors.

The Dayaks were competent in various fields such as agriculture, hunting, warfare (ngayau), ceremonies/cultural arts, architecture (constructing buildings - spatial intelligence), the environment (natural intelligence), and skills related to the cultivation cycle of rice farming. The artifacts and sites exist; it is now a matter of excavation, research, writing, and publication.

Now, we step into the realm of epistemology, which is more abstract and challenging. It is indicated that there is no scientific study related to this topic yet, so there is a need for courage to conduct an initial study.

We utilize the Tacit and Explicit Knowledge paradigm, where 95% of Tacit Knowledge is embedded in the "university of life," and the remaining 5% is scientific research.

Certainly, this discussion is quite weighty. However, scholars like Valentinus Saeng, Ph.D., Prof. Kumpiady Widen, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Patricia Ganing, Dr. Kristianus Atok, Namsi, Ph.D., Dr. Yansen TP, Dr. Marco Mahin, Alue Dohong Ph.D., Tiwi Etika, Ph.D., Dr. Setia Budi, Munaldus, M.A., Dr. Masiun, Prof. Neilson, and others have willingly engaged in discussions to develop this paradigm.

Gnothi seauton

As a foundation for building this paradigm, it is worthwhile to refer to Popper's work "Conjectures and Refutations," where it is emphasized that there is a dialectical path to truth (science): changing criteria of truth and the courage to add new opinions —even if intuitive.

The next research topics awaiting researchers include the Conscience (conscientia/geweten/conscience) of the Dayak people and Dayak Ethics. Perhaps, doctoral students or professors can guide or propose these topics to students (master's/doctoral), leading to theses/dissertations. This will further enrich our understanding of ourselves (gnothi seauton).

Dayak were competent in various fields

The statement by Minister of Education and Culture, Makarim, that in today's era, competence is crucial, not (solely) relying on degrees, prompts us to reflect on the practices of the Dayak ancestors.

The Dayaks were competent in various fields such as agriculture, hunting, warfare (ngayau), ceremonies/cultural arts, architecture (constructing buildings - spatial intelligence), the environment (natural intelligence), and skills related to the cultivation cycle of rice farming. The artifacts and sites exist; it is now a matter of excavation, research, writing, and publication.

In fact, Minister Makarim's statement is more about Tacit Knowledge! And the Dayak people have been practicing it since ancient times.

Don't misjudge the Dayak people today!

Now, only in Kalimantan, Indonesia, they have 37 professors from various disciplines, thousands of doctors, and countless masters. They also have generals, CEOs, rectors, entrepreneurs, and governors among them."

Do not underestimate the Dayak people today!

In Kalimantan, Indonesia, they now have 37 professors from various disciplines, thousands of doctors, and an uncountable number of master's degrees. Among them are generals, CEOs, rectors, entrepreneurs, and governors.

All these achievements demonstrate that the Dayak people not only preserve their cultural heritage but also adapt to the changing times.

The Dayak community today

The Dayak community today is a dynamic and competitive part of the advancing Indonesian society, showcasing that their abilities and talents surpass the stereotypes of the past.

Therefore, it is crucial for us to appreciate the contributions and accomplishments they have attained in various aspects of life

(Rangkaya Bada)