Dayak Paddy Harvest Ethnotourism: Immersing in a Vanishing Tradition

For the Dayak people, farming is more than just an agricultural practice —it is a tradition passed down for over 10,000 years. Their fields are not merely places to grow rice but living ecosystems that are deeply intertwined with nature. Photo credit: Elia Rosalina.

Harvest season isn’t just about gathering rice; it’s a vibrant display of culture, marked by rituals, music, and communal feasts. Yet, as modern agriculture, deforestation, and economic pressures reshape the landscape, this way of life is fading fast. What was once an unshaken rhythm of the land now teeters on the edge of extinction.

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This is where ethnotourism steps in—not just as a way to preserve tradition, but as an invitation to experience it firsthand. 

Imagine joining a Dayak community during harvest time, learning the meticulous art of planting and harvesting hill rice, and witnessing age-old ceremonies that honor the spirits of the land. It’s not just a trip; it’s a rare chance to step into a vanishing world, to hear the songs of the elders before they’re silenced, and to understand what’s at stake when heritage is lost.

Dayak Farming: A Heritage on the Brink of Extinction

For the Dayak people, farming is more than just an agricultural practice —it is a tradition passed down for over 10,000 years. Their fields are not merely places to grow rice but living ecosystems that are deeply intertwined with nature. 

Unfortunately, this practice is rapidly disappearing due to the expansion of mining operations, Forest Concession Rights (HPH), and the relentless spread of palm oil plantations. 

In many areas such as Landak, Bengkayang, Ketapang, Sekadau, and Sintang, corporate land-use rights (HGU) have encroached on customary lands, even extending into ancestral burial grounds.

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As social activist Grace Lukas from Sekadau states, “HGU has already penetrated customary lands and even Dayak cemeteries.” This underscores the sweeping changes occurring in these regions, where not only forests but also the very culture and identity of the Dayak people are being eroded. 

As traditional farming becomes increasingly rare, younger generations are losing the skills that once defined their way of life.

Dayak: Guardians of Borneo's Green Landscape

Dayak farming over the past 10,000 years proves that the Dayak people are the guardians of Borneo’s natural environment. A glance at Google Maps vividly illustrates this reality: wherever green forests remain, there you will find Dayak settlements. In contrast, areas marked in red indicate the presence of industrial hubs, mining operations, and palm oil plantations.

The Dayak people's commitment to sustainable farming practices has preserved vast tracts of rainforest that continue to serve as vital ecosystems. Unlike large-scale industrial activities that strip the land of its biodiversity, Dayak agricultural methods promote ecological balance. Their rotational farming system ensures that the land remains fertile, allowing forests to regenerate naturally after a period of cultivation. This long-standing practice stands in stark contrast to the irreversible deforestation caused by modern industries.

Beyond Rice: The Ecological and Economic Value of Dayak Farming

Many view traditional farming solely through the lens of rice production. However, as Dr. Yansen TP explains in his book Lundayeh Idi Lunbawang (2018), a Dayak field is much more than just a rice plantation—it is an evolving ecosystem. Once the rice is harvested, the land gives way to a diverse array of new crops, including vegetables, mushrooms, tubers, and other staple crops.

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Dayak farming also plays a crucial ecological role. Unlike palm oil plantations or mining operations that permanently degrade the land, the Dayak shifting cultivation system allows the soil to regenerate naturally. The biodiversity of these fields contributes to environmental sustainability. 

Guy Sacerdoti and Jenkins (1978) estimated that a single hectare of Dayak farmland can yield up to 900 kilograms of rice. However, when accounting for secondary harvests, the economic value of these fields far exceeds that of rice alone.

Fields as Ethnotourism Destinations: Preserving Tradition, Revitalizing the Economy

With traditional farming practices in decline, a new opportunity has emerged—transforming Dayak farmlands into ethnotourism destinations. 

Visitors from both domestic and international backgrounds can participate in the entire farming cycle, from planting to harvesting, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the philosophy behind each stage. This is not just an agricultural experience; it is a cultural journey that offers insight into indigenous wisdom and sustainability.

Furthermore, paddy harvest ethnotourism provides an economic lifeline for the Dayak community. By promoting cultural tourism, local farmers can generate additional income without compromising their identity. This initiative also has the potential to educate the broader public on the importance of environmental conservation and the preservation of indigenous traditions.

As a heritage on the verge of extinction, Dayak farming must not only be remembered but also revitalized through innovative and sustainable approaches. 

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By embracing ethnotourism, the Dayak people can continue to uphold their cultural legacy while inspiring the world with their harmonious relationship with nature.

-- Masri Sareb Putra