History and Origins of the Dayak Greeting "Adil Ka’ Talino"

Yakobus Kumis (left), currently serving as the Secretary General of the National Dayak Customary Council (MADN), elaborates on the Dayak Greeting in a profound interview with senior writer Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.

The phrase "Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata" holds deep cultural significance for the Dayak community. This greeting embodies their core values of justice, respect, and spirituality. Using it demonstrates respect for their traditions and fosters a positive connection with the local people.

By understanding and using this traditional greeting, travelers can enrich their experience and show appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak people. It is a meaningful way to engage with the community and participate in the cultural fabric of Kalimantan.

Origins

Here is the origin story and philosophy of the "Dayak Greeting" from the historical figure, Yakobus Kumis, Secretary General of the National Dayak Customary Council (MADN) from 2015 to 2021. 

The universal Dayak greeting, "Adil ka talino, bacuramin ka saruga, basengat ka Jibata," has a long and winding history.

Kumis explains the chronological origins as follows:

Since 1975, the phrase "Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata" has served as a profound greeting and philosophy within the Dayak Kanayatn community. 

This phrase encapsulates core values and beliefs, making it integral to the identity and cultural practices of the Dayak Kanayatn people. Its adoption signifies a deep commitment to justice, respect, and spirituality, reflecting the community's worldview and way of life.

Particularly, the Dayak Kanayatn Customary Councils at the sub-district level have embraced this phrase, integrating it into their formal and informal interactions. Councils such as the Dayak Kanayatn Customary Council of Sengah Temila Sub-district and the Dayak Kanayatn Customary Council of Mempawah Hilir Sub-district have prominently utilized this greeting. It serves not only as a form of salutation but also as a reminder of the values that guide their governance and social conduct.

In Pontianak Regency, before it was subdivided, the widespread use of "Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata" by various customary institutions underscored its importance. 

It became a unifying phrase that fostered a sense of solidarity and shared cultural heritage among the Dayak Kanayatn people. This historical and ongoing use of the phrase highlights its enduring significance and the pivotal role it plays in maintaining the cultural fabric of the community.

Formalization

After 1985, the motto "Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata" was formally established on May 26, 1985, during the first Naik Dango Customary Ceremony in Anjungan, Pontianak Regency. 

It was formulated by several prominent West Kalimantan Dayak figures, including F. Bahudin Kay, Drs. M. Ikot Rinding, Salimun, BA, R.A. Rachmad Syahuddin, B.Sc., and others.

Since then, the phrase "Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata" has been officially used in various customary ceremonies and activities of the Dayak community in Pontianak Regency.

Whenever the phrase "Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata" was spoken, it was responded with "Auk" (pronounced Auuuuuk), meaning yes, or amen.

In its subsequent development, when the West Kalimantan Provincial Majelis Adat Dayak (Dayak Customary Council - MAD) was declared by nine signatories as the founders on August 21, 1994, the motto or philosophy "Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata" was included in the Articles of Association of the West Kalimantan Provincial Dayak Customary Council as the motto or greeting of the West Kalimantan Dayak community.

The nine founders of the West Kalimantan MAD also served as the organizing committee for the formation of the first board, with S. Jacobus E. Frans L., BA., SH, as Chairman; Thadeus Yus, SH., MPA as General Secretary; and Alex Akoran, B.Sc., as Treasurer.

This greeting or philosophy was then confirmed at the first Dayak Customary Council Meeting (Musdad) in 1996, which established the MAD leadership from the first Musdad: Chairman S. Jacobus E. Frans L., BA., SH; General Secretary Dr. Piet Herman Abik; and Treasurer BL. Atan Palil.

Change in Response

Later, there was a change in the response given after saying "Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata." It was originally responded with "Auk," but this was later agreed to be changed to "Arus... arus... arus" (3 times).

This agreement was made at the second Dayak Customary Council Meeting on September 18-21, 2001. At that time, the elected Chairman was Mr. RA. Rachmad Syahudin, B.Sc., General Secretary Drs. Agustinus Clarus, M.Si., and Treasurer Yohanes Nenens, S.H. (The reason being that in Malaysia and Brunei, "auk" has an inappropriate meaning, so the attendees were unwilling to respond with it).

Now, the greeting in the Kanayatn language has become the greeting for all Dayaks.

"Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata," to which everyone present responds,

"Arus... arus... arus" (meaning must, agree, amen), repeated 3 times.

-- Rangkaya Bada