Bajakah: A Unique Souvenir from West Kalimantan with Remarkable Health Benefits

 

A variety of Bajakah products sold in souvenir shops at Supadio Airport, Pontianak. Photo credit: Masri Sareb Putra.

BORNEOTRAVEL - PONTIANAK: If you ever find yourself on a business trip or vacation to West Kalimantan, don’t miss the chance to bring home Bajakah. 

This souvenir is not only unique but also packed with health benefits.

Bajakah: Iconic, medicinal, and culturally rich

Bajakah has become an iconic product, offering visitors a tangible connection to the region's rich culture while serving as a natural remedy.

Bajakah is a plant-based product that is deeply rooted in the heritage of the Dayak people, the indigenous ethnic group of Kalimantan. 

Known for its medicinal qualities, Bajakah has recently gained popularity as a gift that combines tradition with practicality.

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This remarkable plant is available in various forms today, from powdered versions to packaged tea bags. 

The latter has become particularly popular, providing a convenient way for visitors to take home a piece of West Kalimantan while also enjoying its health benefits.

Tea bags filled with Bajakah are now available in many souvenir shops throughout Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan. 

These tea bags are hygienically packaged, making them a great option for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy Bajakah's healing properties.

For those who may not have time to visit the local markets, Bajakah products are also available at Supadio Airport in Pontianak. Here, travelers can purchase Bajakah products before going through security or at the kiosks in the departure lounge, ensuring they can grab their souvenirs right before they head home.

This availability of Bajakah in strategic locations speaks to its growing popularity, not just as a souvenir, but also as a product that represents West Kalimantan’s natural wealth and cultural heritage. 

Bajakah is now recognized beyond the borders of Kalimantan, as more people discover its potential for improving health and well-being.

Traditional Dayak medicine

The name "Bajakah" comes from the Dayak language, where it means "root." This name refers to the plant's primary part, the root, which is harvested for its medicinal properties. Bajakah’s Latin name is Spatholobus littoralis (Hassk), and it belongs to the Spatholobus genus within the Fabaceae family.

The plant was first scientifically documented by German botanist Justus Karl Hasskarl in 1842. Since its discovery, Bajakah has been an essential part of traditional Dayak medicine, where it has been used to treat a variety of ailments.

The Dayak people have long recognized the health benefits of Bajakah. It is known to treat cancer, boost the immune system, and slow the aging process. In addition to these uses, Bajakah is also believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol.

Read Research on the Efficacy of Bajakah by High School Students that Stirred Attention

Moreover, Bajakah has been utilized to address conditions like diabetes, acid reflux (GERD), and liver diseases such as hepatitis. The knowledge of its healing properties has been passed down through generations, and the plant remains a crucial element in the Dayak people's medicinal practices.

While its traditional uses are based on centuries of experience, modern research is now beginning to shed light on the scientific basis behind these health benefits. Bajakah’s medicinal properties are rooted in its rich phytochemical composition, which is being studied for its potential therapeutic effects.

Bajakah as a Symbol of Culture and Nature

Bajakah is more than just a medicinal plant. It symbolizes the harmonious relationship between the Dayak people and their environment. The Dayak have long understood the importance of their natural surroundings and have cultivated a deep respect for the plants and trees that thrive in their forests.

One of the processed Bajakah products, namely Bajakah tea bags ready for consumption. Photo credit: Masri Sareb Putra.

Bajakah represents this connection. By preserving and using this plant in their healing practices, the Dayak people are maintaining a sustainable relationship with the land. Their careful use of Bajakah ensures that the plant continues to thrive in the wild, providing future generations with the same benefits it has provided for centuries.

The growing popularity of Bajakah is not only a testament to its effectiveness as a natural remedy but also a recognition of the Dayak people’s cultural wisdom. By introducing Bajakah to the wider world, the Dayak are sharing a piece of their culture and ensuring that this unique tradition endures in the modern age.

Bajakah is now being embraced by people from all walks of life, both in Indonesia and internationally. As a result, it serves as an important bridge between the traditional knowledge of the Dayak people and the wider world.

By purchasing Bajakah products, tourists and consumers are helping to preserve this vital aspect of Dayak culture. Every purchase supports local communities and helps ensure the continued survival of this valuable plant species.

Bajakah Products and Their Impact on the Local Economy

The rise in demand for Bajakah products has also had a positive impact on the local economy. As more tourists and consumers become interested in Bajakah, local businesses have embraced the opportunity to process and package it for sale. This has created jobs and provided income for many Dayak people, allowing them to continue their traditional practices while benefiting from the growing market.

Local entrepreneurs have capitalized on this trend by creating innovative products such as Bajakah tea, which is gaining popularity not only for its health benefits but also for its unique flavor and aroma. These products help to boost the economy while also raising awareness about the cultural and environmental significance of Bajakah.

The success of Bajakah products is also contributing to the sustainable development of the region. By promoting the cultivation and processing of Bajakah, the local community is fostering an industry that respects both the environment and traditional knowledge.

As the Bajakah market continues to grow, it is expected to generate even more opportunities for the Dayak people, allowing them to maintain their cultural heritage while integrating into the modern economy.

Bajakah and Sustainable Tourism

Bajakah also plays an important role in promoting sustainable tourism in West Kalimantan. As more tourists flock to the region, they are not only discovering the beauty of the land and the culture but also learning about the importance of sustainable practices.

By purchasing Bajakah products, visitors are helping to support sustainable practices that protect the environment and promote the responsible use of natural resources. This form of eco-tourism helps to protect the forests and wildlife of Kalimantan while also creating economic opportunities for local communities.

The story of Bajakah is a powerful example of how traditional knowledge and modern demand can work together to create a sustainable future. It is a reminder that even small products like Bajakah can have a significant impact on both the local economy and the global community.

Bajakah: A Gift of Health and Culture

Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or looking for a personal keepsake, Bajakah stands out as a gift that brings together cultural richness, practicality, and remarkable health benefits. 

The next time you visit West Kalimantan, consider bringing home Bajakah as a souvenir that represents both the land and the people who have called it home for centuries.

Bajakah is more than just a souvenir. It is a testament to the resilience and wisdom of the Dayak people, a plant that has stood the test of time and continues to provide healing and hope. It is a product that not only supports your health but also helps to preserve a vital piece of Indonesian culture and tradition.

As awareness of Bajakah grows, it will continue to serve as a bridge between cultures, bringing the rich traditions of West Kalimantan to the world.

-- Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.