Erika's insights on Dayak longhouses

A book written by the Dayak people and published by a Dayak publisher: Now the Dayak are writing from within! Doc. LLD.

BORNEO TRAVEL - JAKARTA: In the last two decades, writing from the "inside out" perspective by the Dayak community has flourished remarkably. The number of books, monographs, and research studies authored by Dayak individuals has significantly increased. 

Today, the Dayak people are no longer just subjects of citations; they are active narrators of their own stories. They’ve taken control of their image and identity, a crucial achievement for a community that has often been misunderstood by outsiders. 

Erika's insights on Dayak longhouses

One of the key figures in this shift is Erika Siluq, a doctoral candidate in law who champions the rights and dignity of the Dayak people.

In her book, Erika pours out facts and insights gained from her intimate observations of the Dayak longhouses, or lamin. 

Erika while researching the Dayak people in relation to longhouses. Doc. Erika Siluq.

Erika paints a vivid picture of life within these structures, which are not just places to live but symbols of identity, solidarity, and cultural heritage. 

Every element within a longhouse carries deep meaning and function, with private spaces (bilek) and public areas (los, soa) that facilitate interaction among community members.

The communal life in the lamin shapes the character of the Dayak people, who are known for their respect for one another and their sense of responsibility. Erika delves into the traditional values that govern daily life, including the ethics and norms everyone is expected to follow. 

The Adat Law serves as a vital framework for maintaining harmony and social balance among community members, making its preservation crucial for upholding Dayak identity and cultural continuity.

Yet, Erika also addresses the modern challenges faced by the Dayak community, such as the struggle to preserve their cultural heritage amid globalization. She urges readers to appreciate the complexities of Dayak life and the importance of supporting efforts to keep their age-old traditions alive.

Preserving Dayak identity through storytelling

The strength of the Dayak people lies in their deep-rooted values and the traditions upheld within their social structures. Centuries of communal living have formed a solid foundation for their resilience. When disaster strikes, they come together as one, demonstrating incredible solidarity. Despite this close-knit life, they also value individual rights and personal needs, which is crucial for balance within the community.

Erika’s book emphasizes that the artifacts and noble values of the lamin and betang must be safeguarded; losing these would mean the erosion of Dayak identity and customs. Through her "inside out" writing, 

Erika not only educates outsiders but also reinforces pride and awareness of identity among the younger Dayak generation. With more Dayak authors emerging, their voices grow stronger. They’re no longer just subjects in someone else’s narrative; they are telling their own stories.

With a thorough and engaging approach, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the longhouses and the lives of the Dayak people. Through these writings, the hope for the preservation and development of Dayak culture shines brightly, ensuring their identity will continue to thrive.

The book published by Penerbit Lembaga Literasi Dayak represents a treasure that dives deep into the Dayak heritage. 

Notably, on September 18, 2024, one of the works from the Lembaga Literasi Dayak was recognized by the National Library in Jakarta as one of the best books of 2024, underscoring its significant contribution to the world of literature and culture.

-- Takan Punah