Bajakah: The Hallmark of Ecotourism in Borneo
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| The Dayak people drink bajakah root water directly from the cut roots in Hedda Morrison's book (1957: 205). |
BORNEOTRAVEL - SEKADAU, West Borneo: Borneo's rainforest is not only rich in its inhabitants but also serves as the "lungs of the Earth."
Enjoy drinking bajakah water straight from the root
Borneo is home to a diverse range of plant life, including the bajakah.
Recently, there has been growing concern about deforestation in Borneo (Kalimantan) due to mining, palm oil expansion, and settlement projects, such as in East Borneo, where the new capital city (Ibu Kota Nusantara) is being developed.
However, overall, especially in Sarawak, Borneo remains predominantly green. That's why ecotourism in Borneo continues to attract international tourists.
Ecotourism in Borneo differs from other places because Kalimantan boasts vast tropical forests rich in biodiversity.
As the largest island in Indonesia, Kalimantan harbors many unique and untouched natural treasures.
One of these natural treasures is the herbal plant known as bajakah (Latin: Spatholobus littoralis).
Bajakah is a highlight of ecotourism in Kalimantan due to its deep cultural significance, particularly among the Dayak communities who utilize this plant in various aspects of their lives, including traditional medicine. Moreover, bajakah attracts scientific interest for its potential as a medicinal plant, especially in modern research focusing on anti-cancer properties and other health benefits.
Read Research on the Efficacy of Bajakah by High School Students that Stirred Attention
So, whenever you get the chance to travel or go on a business trip to Kalimantan, make sure to take some time to visit the forest. Enjoy drinking bajakah water straight from the root! The sensation will be amazing."
To learn about and appreciate the biodiversity and local cultural richness
Therefore, ecotourism in Kalimantan not only offers stunning natural beauty and thrilling adventure activities but also provides opportunities to learn about and appreciate the biodiversity and local cultural richness, including the use of herbal plants like bajakah in daily life and traditional medicine.
Bajakah, an indigenous root plant that's become quite the talk, has been known to the Dayak people of Kalimantan for centuries. But its popularity surged when students in Palangka Raya discovered its scientific benefits about five years ago.
Growing in the forests of Kalimantan, bajakah is distinguished by its unique ability to store ample water in its roots.
When thirsty, You can cut the bajakah root
The Dayak have long relied on bajakah as a safe water source in the forest. When hunting or trekking, they don't carry water supplies but just their machetes.
When thirsty, they can cut the bajakah root, which releases enough water to drink. This practice has been recorded in history and even depicted in Hedda Morrison's 1957 book Sarawak in where she illustrated Dayak people drinking directly from bajakah roots.
Today, scientific findings on bajakah's medicinal properties have added a new dimension to its use.
Bajakah is known to have potential as a medicinal plant, particularly in traditional treatments for various ailments, including cancer. Its high antioxidant content and potential as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator make bajakah an intriguing subject for health research.
Thus, bajakah not only holds value for the Dayak's survival in the forests but also opens new avenues for scientific exploration and utilization in modern healthcare.
Here's everything you need to know about Bajakah:
Habitat of Bajakah
Bajakah is a plant native to the forests of Kalimantan, thriving primarily in lowland regions and along riverbanks. It is characterized by its tendency to climb and vine around trees and other vegetation, utilizing their support to reach sunlight and grow vigorously.
The climbing nature of Bajakah enables it to spread across the forest floor and flourish in the dense tropical environment of Kalimantan's wilderness.
Morphology of Bajakah
Bajakah has the following morphological characteristics:
- Stem: It is a climbing plant with flexible and long stems.
- Leaves: The leaves are compound, consisting of several small green leaflets.
- Flowers: Bajakah produces small flowers that are purple or pinkish-red and grow in clusters.
Uses/Benefits
Bajakah is reputed in traditional Kalimantan medicine for its efficacy in treating various ailments, including cancer. Some of its benefits include:
- Antioxidant:Bajakah contains antioxidants that can help combat free radicals in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory:Known to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Immunomodulator: Can help boost the immune system.
- Anti-cancer: Believed to aid in the treatment or prevention of certain cancers.
How to Consume Bajakah
Traditional methods of consuming bajakah typically involve preparing a decoction or infusion from specific parts of the plant, such as its stems or leaves. Common methods include:
- Bajakah can be consumed directly at the site by cutting its roots, allowing the water to flow. See the example in the picture where traditionally the Dayak people have been consuming bajakah water for centuries.
- Decoction: Boiling bajakah leaves or stems with water, then drinking it as tea.
- Extract: Bajakah extract can be made by soaking parts of the plant in alcohol or water, then extracting the liquid.
Borneo’s rainforest, a vibrant tapestry of biodiversity and ancient traditions, is home to a wealth of flora with potential medicinal properties.
The rainforest's ecological balance
One such plant that has garnered attention is the bajakah, a traditional herb used by indigenous communities for its purported health benefits. However, as with any traditional remedy, especially in the context of such a rich and complex ecosystem, it’s essential to approach its use with caution and respect.
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| Borneo’s rainforest, a vibrant tapestry of biodiversity and ancient traditions, is home to a wealth of flora with potential medicinal properties. |
In the dense, tropical rainforests of Borneo, where the bajakah grows, the interplay between traditional knowledge and modern science is crucial.
The indigenous peoples of Borneo have long utilized bajakah in their herbal medicine practices, drawing on centuries of accumulated wisdom. This plant is often cited for its potential therapeutic properties, which range from anti-inflammatory effects to immune system support. Nevertheless, the rich biodiversity of the rainforest means that many plants have compounds that are still not fully understood by contemporary science.
When considering the use of bajakah, it’s important to consult with experienced herbalists or medical practitioners who have a deep understanding of both the plant and its context within traditional medicine. Such experts can offer guidance on safe usage, appropriate dosages, and potential interactions with other treatments. This cautious approach is not only a nod to the complexity of traditional knowledge but also a measure to ensure that modern scientific principles are respected.
Borneo’s rainforest is a delicate ecosystem facing numerous threats from deforestation and climate change. Sustainable harvesting practices and ethical considerations must be paramount to preserve the biodiversity and the traditional knowledge embedded within these forests.
By integrating traditional wisdom with scientific research and ensuring ethical use of resources, we can support both the conservation of Borneo’s rainforest and the health of its indigenous communities.
In summary, while bajakah holds promise within traditional medicine, its use should be approached thoughtfully.
By working with knowledgeable practitioners and respecting the rainforest's ecological balance, we honor both the heritage of Borneo’s indigenous peoples and the integrity of its irreplaceable natural resources.
-- Masri Sareb Putra
