The Dayak Kenyah: Indigenous Practices in Managing and Preserving Tana Ulen

Anau's work emphasizes the principles of wisdom and justice in stewardship, showcasing a model of responsible land management that respects heritage and fosters community well-being.

Rarely do active officials take the time to write books and then share their thoughts and discoveries with the public. 

Njau Anau, the Head of Tourism and Culture for North Kalimantan Province, stands out as one of these exceptional figures. He believes strongly in leading by example, famously saying, "Don't hide your light under a bushel." 

This conviction has driven him to convert his doctoral dissertation into a captivating book, accessible to all who wish to delve into its pages.

The Tana Ulen area of the Kenyah people is highly suitable and excellent as a natural tourism destination for anyone. It's not just about its natural beauty, but also about its people, customs, philosophy, and culture.

The concept and philosophy of Tana Ulen

The book's focus is both fascinating and profound, delving into the concept of Tanah Ulen, the ancestral lands of the Dayak Kenyah people in North Kalimantan. It explores how one of the 405 Dayak subtribes meticulously manages, safeguards, and sustains these sacred lands, ensuring they benefit both the community and future generations.

 Anau's work emphasizes the principles of wisdom and justice in stewardship, showcasing a model of responsible land management that respects heritage and fosters community well-being. His efforts are not just academic but also practical, aiming to inspire broader appreciation and understanding of indigenous cultures and sustainable practices among readers worldwide.

In the concept of Tana’ Ulen, initially, these rivers were designated as off-limits areas for the community, where they were not allowed to freely catch fish or hunt animals. Therefore, during village gatherings or celebrations, it was easy for the community to procure fish and other game from the surrounding forests.

Moreover, within the Tana’ Ulen territory, people were forbidden from cutting trees, burning forests, establishing fields, or engaging in other activities that could damage the forest. Initially, Tana’ Ulen was solely owned by the nobles of Long Alango, Long Uli, and Long Pujungan in Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan Province.

The Dayak Kenyah people are deeply committed to preserving Tana’ Ulen

The culture of environmental conservation thrives within Tana’ Ulen at Long Alango in Malinau Regency, serving as a prime example of strict forest resource management. The Dayak Kenyah community in Long Alango manages the forest's functions and permissible forest products meticulously. These include agarwood (used for perfume), rattan, resin, cinnamon, fruits, fish, and game animals. Harvesting from Tana’ Ulen is strictly limited to specific times and is intended for communal use during village activities.

Preserving Tana’ Ulen in Kayan Mentarang National Park benefits from several supportive factors, such as active participation from the indigenous community. 

The Dayak Kenyah people are deeply committed to preserving Tana’ Ulen, not only safeguarding it but also actively contributing to its conservation. 

Community representatives and traditional institutions also play crucial roles in preserving Tana’ Ulen. The leadership of traditional elders further bolsters these efforts.

The indigenous community holds great hope for these forests, which remain vital to their livelihoods. Their strong desire to protect their land is a key factor in preserving the forests through their local wisdom practices.

About the author of this book

Njau Anau  was born in Long Alango on May 12, 1967, to Anau Usat and Awing Njau. He is married to Melati Ngang and has been blessed with two daughters and one son: Septhiana Njau, Usat Njau, and Sulau Njau. Currently, he holds a position in the Local Government of Malinau Regency.

Njau Anau. Personal documentation.

His educational journey began at SDN 006 Long Alango, where he completed his primary education in 1980, followed by SMP PGRI Tanjung Selor in 1983 for junior high school. He pursued senior high school at SMEA NEGERI Tanjung Selor, majoring in Bookkeeping, graduating in 1986.

In 1993, Njau earned his Bachelor's degree (S.1.) in History Education from IKIP PGRI Surabaya. He continued his academic pursuit and obtained his Master's degree (S2) in Government Management from Mulawarman University in 2009.

Njau Anau has built a diverse professional career path. He served as a WWF Indonesia staff member at Kayan Mentarang National Park from 1991 to 1998 and worked as a consultant at the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) from 1999 to 2001. 

Njau began his civil service journey as a candidate in the Program Development Section of the Malinau Regency Secretariat from 2001 to 2003, followed by a role as a Civil Servant Officer at Bappeda Malinau from 2003 to 2004.

From 2006 to 2019, Njau held various managerial positions within the Program Development Section of the Malinau Regency Secretariat. He served as Control Section Head from 2006 to 2007, Program Work Section Head from 2007 to 2009, Subdistrict Secretary of Bahau Hulu from 2009 to 2010, and Acting Subdistrict Head of Bahau Hulu in 2009-2010. He further contributed as Program Development Section Head of the Malinau Regency Secretariat from 2011 to 2016 and as Development Section Head of the Malinau Regency Secretariat from 2016 to 2019.

-- Masri Sareb Putra