Migration of the Iban and Lundayeh: Journey from the Heart of Borneo to the World Beyond

Historical Site, Tampun Juah, the Claimed Ancestral Land of the Iban People in Borneo. Photo Credit: Pastor Greg, CP./Borneo-Travel.

This is the migration pattern of the Lundayeh and Iban peoples, captured in a narrative that bridges history and the present day.

The Iban and Lundayeh peoples, two groups with a long history of migration from the Borneo region (Kalimantan), have spread far and wide across Southeast Asia, particularly to Malaysia and Brunei. For centuries, they have formed a rich network of migration stories and cultural heritage. Based on historical records and oral traditions, their migration has not only been a physical journey, but also one of cultural and identity transformation that has unfolded over time.

Read The Tampun Juah Site Sheds Light on the Past of the Dayak People and their Cultural Identity

The story of Iban migration is one that stretches beyond the geographical boundaries of Borneo. Originally from what is now Sekayam Hulu in Sanggau, West Kalimantan, they embarked on a long journey outward to regions beyond Borneo, including to Semanggang (Sri Aman) and coastal areas in Malaysia and Brunei. From their origins in Tampun Juah, the Iban people began a transformative migration that eventually led them to establish communities that now span across the whole of Borneo, and even further, to Malaysia and Brunei.

Tampun Juah became the starting point for a civilization that reached well beyond the rivers and forests surrounding it. From this location, the Iban began migrating further afield, bringing with them their culture, language, and traditions. Over time, the Iban people, who once primarily resided around the Sekayam River, grew into a community spread across Malaysia, Brunei, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

This migration highlights an intriguing pattern, in which the Iban did not only move in search of better resources, but also as part of cultural interaction and diplomacy with local kingdoms and foreign traders. Along the way, they introduced their cultural practices—including dance, music, crafts, and agricultural systems—to the regions they migrated to.

Language and Identity: Pillars of Migration

The Iban language has played a crucial role in reinforcing their cultural identity throughout their migration. One of the most striking features of this is the difference in dialects spoken by the Iban groups spread across various regions. For example, the Iban dialect spoken in Kalimantan is distinct from the dialect spoken by Iban communities in Sarawak or Brunei. This difference reflects a major shift in the way the Iban interacted with the social and cultural environments they inhabited.

This phenomenon has intrigued linguists, as it provides important evidence of a structured migration pattern. As the distance between Iban communities in their original homeland and those in new areas increased, the dialect differences became more apparent. Despite these variations, the Iban have managed to preserve many of their cultural aspects, such as their social systems and traditional rituals, which remain integral to their identity.

Similarly, the Lundayeh language (also known as Lengilo'), spoken by the Lundayeh people who also originated from Kalimantan, shares close ties with the Iban and Lun Bawang languages. Lundayeh is considered an older language, and research shows that many elements of Iban and Lun Bawang languages are rooted in Lundayeh. This phenomenon illustrates how language shifts follow the migration routes of these groups, providing tangible evidence of their cultural development.

Additionally, the Maanyan language spoken in Central Kalimantan has notable similarities to Malagasy, spoken in Madagascar. This connection suggests that there is a deeper relationship between the people living in the Barito River Basin and those in Madagascar. The seafaring ancestors of the Maanyan people are believed to have participated in migration routes that linked Borneo to distant lands across the Indian Ocean and Pacific.

Migration and the Shaping of History

Migration is not just the physical movement from one place to another; it is also part of the formation of history and cultural identity. The Iban migration beyond Kalimantan occurred in three significant stages, marking key points in their long history:

1. The First Stage: In the 13th century, the first Iban migration began from Tampun Juah towards the Sekayam and Kepuas rivers in West Kalimantan. This stage is believed to have happened over 700 years ago. During this time, they began establishing their first settlements, known as Tembawang—an indigenous community protected by forests and located along riverbanks.

2. The Second Stage: Around the 16th century, the second wave of Iban migration took place, spreading toward the Ketungau River, known as Ketungau Tesaek. This was when the Iban community began to grow more rapidly, forming closer bonds with other Dayak groups and expanding their agricultural and trading activities. They also began building longhouses, a cultural symbol that served not only as residences but also as centers for social activities and rituals.

3. The Third Stage: The Iban migration reached its peak in the 19th century, with the arrival of the Brooke family in Sarawak around 1839. During this period, the Iban became more organized, playing a key role in the social systems of Sarawak and surrounding areas. One legendary figure during this stage was Singalang Burong, a hero known for leading a major expedition to new lands in coastal Sarawak and the Malay Peninsula.

The Role of Panglima Burung and Gawai Burong in Iban Culture

Panglima Burung, one of the legendary figures in Iban mythology, played a pivotal role in their migration history. Not only is he considered a war hero, but he is also seen as a symbol of spiritual power and courage. In Iban myth, Panglima Burung is revered for his leadership in battle and his role in leading his people toward new territories. His story is often a central theme during Gawai Burong, an annual festival celebrated by the Iban. Gawai Burong commemorates not only the harvest or military victories but also the relationship between humans and their spiritual world, which is deeply rooted in the symbolism of nature and powerful forces.

The Chinese Migration Phenomenon: The Chinese in the Nusantara and Kalimantan

Over time, migration in Borneo also involved other groups, such as the Chinese. In Singkawang, for instance, the migration of Hakka Chinese in the 18th century formed the foundation of the Pecinan (Chinatown). The Chinese initially arrived as traders and laborers in the gold mines. Their presence significantly influenced the social and economic life in Singkawang, and created a cultural legacy that continues to shape the region, blending Chinese and Dayak traditions.

Read The Tampun Juah Site Sheds Light on the Past of the Dayak People and their Cultural Identity: Tampun Juah in Verse and Song by Thomas Tion

The Chinese in Singkawang not only contributed to commerce but also played an integral role in religious and cultural life. Their presence in the Pecinan and its development highlights how inter-ethnic and inter-cultural migration can enrich local identities and bring innovation in agriculture, industry, and religious practices.

Through the long journeys of the Iban and Lundayeh peoples, we can observe a complex yet rich migration pattern, full of cultural and historical significance. Their migration was not just about relocation but about adjusting to new environments, forming new identities, and seeking prosperity and safety for future generations. Their movement across Borneo marked the beginning of major transformations in human history, the effects of which are still felt today. 

The cultural diversity they brought, along with advancements in agriculture, social systems, and traditions, has greatly enriched the identity of Borneo as we know it now. This migration history teaches us about resilience and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing world—an experience that remains relevant to the social and cultural dynamics of today.