Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN): Breaking the Silence of the Majority

BORNEOTRAVEL - PALANGKA RAYA: A timely reminder – as illustrated by my close friend, a doctor, lecturer, and scholar from Palangka Raya. I have known him deeply and intimately. 

His contributions stand out in their field, which is why I included him in the 101 Tokoh Dayak (Dayak Figures) Volume 2, published in 2015, pages 44-45.

Sanggau Ledo, Sampit, silence, 1998 eruption

We all recall the incidents in Sanggau Ledo and Sampit. Those were turning points, key moments that highlighted the role of the silent majority.

I don't wish to delve into other matters here, but rather to focus on a concept: Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann's Spiral of Silence, a theory I explored in depth during my Master's studies.

Before diving into the theoretical framework, let’s first consider an example. Reflecting on Indonesia's New Order era, we saw how society was essentially silenced under the influence of the government and its powerful networks, particularly the military.

During Suharto’s regime, the government’s authority was absolute—any opposition was swiftly eliminated. It didn’t matter who you were; if you challenged the regime, you were cut down.

At that time, the people fell silent. No one dared to speak out, much less resist. However, beneath this silence, something was brewing.

The situation erupted in 1998.

This is the core of the theory:
Minorities, under the immense pressure of the majority, often stay silent. This pressure is so overwhelming that they avoid public spaces for fear of personal harm.

The Silent Strength of the Dayak: Resilience in the Face of Marginalization

Over time, marginalized groups like the Dayak people have become increasingly isolated, pushed further to the edges of society. 

Forced out of sight and into the shadows, they’ve been relegated to the margins, where their voices are often unheard. Yet, despite appearing silenced, they never truly disappear. Their identity, their struggle, continues to live on, even if muted.

Read Cornelis: The Capital of Nusantara (Ibu Kota Nusantara/IKN) Must Not Marginalize Indigenous People!

The Dayak people, who have lived for centuries in the forests of Borneo and surrounding regions, have faced numerous forms of marginalization—from colonial powers to central governments, to economic forces that threaten their ancestral lands. From the earliest days of colonization to the present, they’ve been sidelined by policies that prioritize development and exploitation of natural resources over their rights and well-being.

Though their voices are often drowned out, the Dayak continue to resist in silence. Their struggle isn’t just about defending their land, but about protecting their culture, their traditions, and their identity, which has endured for generations. Even when the outside world doesn’t listen, they keep fighting, quietly holding onto their heritage. It’s been a long fight, one that’s often hidden from public view, but it’s never been extinguished.

Their resistance is not just about holding onto the land; it’s about holding onto who they are. Amid the sweeping changes of modernity, their voice continues to resonate, even if in more subtle, careful, and calculated ways. Even as the pressure mounts and the threats grow more real, they don’t give up easily. Their journey is undoubtedly hard, but the hope for change, for recognition of their existence and their struggle, remains alive.

Read The Rise of Dayak Island: Responding to Challenges and the Post-Truth Reality

In the context of Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann’s Spiral of Silence theory, the Dayak people’s resistance reflects the voice of the silent majority—those whose voices are often forgotten and overlooked, yet who continue to stand firm, even when marginalized. 

Darmae, representing this silent majority, symbolizes the hidden strength that, despite being trapped in silence, continues to fight for recognition and respect. 

A voice that demands acknowledgment, a courage that remains unwavering against the overwhelming tide of forces trying to push them aside.

-- Amee Lea Koa