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The Bidayuhik Dayak in Jangkang, Sanggau use the river for bathing, washing, sanitation, and transportation with boats and motorized vessels. (photo credit: Masri Sareb)
Albertus Imas, M.A., in collaboration with Masri Sareb Putra, M.A., both staff members of the Dayak Research Center, is set to begin a 2025 research project titled "River Culture of the Dayak People."
This study will focus specifically on the Dayak communities in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, to better understand the crucial role that rivers play in shaping their way of life. While rivers have always been essential to survival, this research will explore their deeper cultural, social, and historical significance, examining how they influence the identity and traditions of the Dayak people.
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The project seeks to illuminate the intricate connections between rivers and Dayak society, highlighting how these waterways are far more than just physical resources. They serve as lifelines that bind communities together, facilitating trade, communication, and spiritual practices.
By studying the role of rivers in the social structure and culture of the Dayak, the research will offer valuable insights into how the river has shaped not only their daily lives but also their broader worldview and collective identity.
The River as the Heart of Dayak Life
In Sanggau, rivers have witnessed the long, storied history, economy, and culture of the Dayak people for centuries. This research builds upon previous studies done by Albertus Imas on the Bidayuhik people, who have long maintained a deep connection with rivers as vital communication routes and the center of daily life.
This research will further explore the role of rivers in shaping Dayak society, complementing the study Masri Sareb conducted with Dr. Yansen TP among the "river people" in Krayan, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan. In Krayan, the community’s entire way of life revolves around the river—not only as a transport route but as the heart of their social, cultural, and religious practices.
Rivers for them are not simply a natural feature; they are the foundation of their cultural continuity, linking generations across time. Here, rivers are more than just a physical entity; they embody wisdom and traditions passed down through the ages.
The River as a Strategic and Historical Force
Rivers also play a crucial role in the history of Dayak resistance. One significant example is the Madjang Desa War, which took place along the banks of a river in West Kalimantan. This war was not just a conflict, but an expression of how rivers served as strategic spaces in the Dayak people's fight to defend their homeland.
Rivers, with all their beauty, became the decisive battlegrounds in these confrontations. This demonstrates that rivers are not passive natural features, but are integral to the social and political dynamics of Dayak life.
On one occasion, I was asked by a Navy officer about river culture among the Dayak people. His question was simple, yet profound: "Does river culture exist?"
Without hesitation, I answered, "Yes!"
This response reflects my deep understanding of how essential rivers are to the Dayak people’s identity and survival. Though often overlooked or misunderstood, the river culture of the Dayak people is real and alive within their traditions.
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Further historical records highlight the importance of rivers in the Dayak people’s trade and communication networks.
One such record mentions Dayak-owned sailing ships that docked at the Sunda Kelapa port in the 17th century. These ships, some up to 20 meters long, were not just transportation vessels; they were symbols of Dayak maritime excellence. This evidence reveals that the Dayak people were already engaged in broad trade networks and had strong ties to the outside world long before colonial forces arrived.
The presence of Dayak ships at Sunda Kelapa further solidifies the fact that the Dayak were not isolated; they were part of a global trading world that connected Kalimantan to Southeast Asia.
Rivers as the Lifeblood of Dayak Society
For the Dayak people, rivers are not just flowing water; they are the lifeblood of their society. They shape every aspect of Dayak life, from settlement patterns to economic activity to social structure. Rivers are the pathways that connect people, trade goods, and ideas, forming the foundation for a thriving society. This bond with rivers is not just historical—it continues to this day, with rivers still being a central element of Dayak culture and identity.
The research planned by Albertus Imas and Masri Sareb Putra will provide an in-depth look at this river-centric way of life in West Kalimantan, focusing specifically on how rivers contribute to social organization, cultural practices, and the transmission of knowledge within the Dayak communities. By examining the cultural significance of rivers, the study aims to highlight the ways in which rivers have shaped everything from religious practices to economic systems.
The river is more than just a source of water or a transport route for the Dayak people; it is a symbol of life itself. The river provides sustenance, allows for communication, and acts as a key factor in survival. This central role of rivers is reflected in the Dayak's respect for their natural environment and their deep spiritual connection to the waterways that define their existence. In addition, the river has historically been a symbol of power and resistance, as shown by events like the Madjang Desa War.
The Role of Rivers in Dayak Trade and Commerce
The historical significance of rivers extends beyond their role in daily life. Rivers have been vital to the economic success of Dayak communities. Trade routes along rivers have connected Kalimantan with other parts of Southeast Asia, enabling the exchange of goods and ideas. Dayak boats, such as those mentioned in historical documents, were once common sights in port cities like Sunda Kelapa, where they contributed to a thriving maritime economy.
These ships were not just vessels for transporting goods; they were symbols of the Dayak people's maritime skills and their active participation in regional trade. The Dayak were not isolated in their small villages but were engaged in the broader global economy. They traded valuable commodities such as forest products, spices, and other resources that were in demand throughout the region. The river, then, was not only a means of transportation but also a gateway to the world beyond the Dayak homeland.
Preserving River Culture for Future Generations
The upcoming study by Imas and Putra aims to preserve this rich river culture for future generations. As industrialization and urbanization threaten the environment, it is crucial to understand how rivers shaped the development of societies like the Dayak.
By documenting the cultural, social, and historical importance of rivers to the Dayak people, this research hopes to inspire a renewed appreciation for these waterways and their role in sustaining life.
It is also essential to preserve the knowledge and traditions tied to rivers, as they are an integral part of the Dayak people's heritage. The study will provide valuable insights into how traditional practices of river navigation, fishing, and settlement are being passed down to younger generations. At the same time, the research will highlight the challenges faced by Dayak communities today, particularly in relation to the changing environmental landscape.
In conclusion, the rivers of Kalimantan are much more than geographical features—they are the threads that tie together the cultural, social, and historical fabric of the Dayak people. By studying these rivers, we can better understand the deep connection between humans and the natural world, and work to preserve this vital aspect of Dayak life for future generations.
The presence of river culture among the Bidayuhik Dayak people
The presence of river culture among the Bidayuhik Dayak people in Jangkang, Jangkang District, Sanggau Regency is evident in various aspects of their daily life. They use the river for essential activities such as bathing, washing, and sanitation.
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The river is not just a source of life but a central hub for their daily routines. Additionally, the Bidayuhik people have boats and motorized vessels for transportation, further emphasizing the integral role the river plays in their mobility and trade.
These practices reflect a deep cultural connection to the river, which is a living part of their traditions.
-- Rangkaya Bada
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