Dayak Heritage: The Story of Integration and Identity in Central Kalimantan

Title: Pakat Dayak: Sejarah Integrasi dan Jatidiri Masyarakat Dayak Daerah Kalimantan Tengah
Author: Prof. KMA M. Usop, M.A.
Publisher/City: Yayasan Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Betang Garing (YPK-BG) / Palangka Raya
Year of Publication: 1996

Pakat Dayak: Sejarah Integrasi dan Jatidiri Masyarakat Dayak Daerah Kalimantan Tengah is a scholarly work that delves deep into the history and identity of the Dayak people, focusing specifically on the Central Kalimantan region. 

Written by Prof. KMA M. Usop, a prominent figure in the study of Dayak culture and history, the book provides a thorough exploration of the integration of the Dayak community into the broader historical and cultural frameworks of Southeast Asia. 

Despite its significant contribution to the academic discourse on the Dayak people, the book presents some technical challenges in terms of language, structure, and citation that are worth addressing for a broader audience.

One of the key strengths of this book is the depth of insight it offers into Dayak culture and history. 

Prof. Usop carefully combines historical facts with the cultural practices of the Dayak people, such as the use of unique terms like kayau (headhunting), habunu (brotherhood), and hatetek kahayau (battle cry). Although these terms may be unfamiliar to some readers, they are crucial for understanding the values embedded in Dayak life. The author presents these concepts in a way that is accessible without compromising their cultural significance.

The book is also well-structured and organized. The discussion is divided into three main chapters, each focusing on a different theme, yet all interconnected logically. 

Readers will find it easy to follow the narrative, as each chapter delves into a distinct aspect of Dayak life, from their early history, the process of integration with colonial powers, to the formation of their evolving cultural identity. This systematic structure makes the book not only relevant to academics but also to general readers who wish to explore this topic further.

As a work by an expert in the field, Pakat Dayak contributes significantly to the study of indigenous societies, particularly in Kalimantan. Prof. Usop has successfully introduced a broader understanding of the Dayak people, who have often been underrepresented in studies of Indonesian history. This book is an invaluable resource, offering a fresh perspective that enriches the understanding of Dayak culture and history while also highlighting their important role within the larger context, both locally and nationally.

Overall, Pakat Dayak is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in cultural studies, history, or indigenous societies in Indonesia. 

The author effectively presents a complex topic in a systematic and informative way, making the book not just an academic reference but also an inspiring resource for a deeper understanding of the Dayak community. It is undoubtedly an important work that will remain relevant in the study of Indonesian culture and history.

-- Amee Lea Koa