| On January 4, 2025, the Institut Teknologi Keling Kumang (ITKK) marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the Dayak Research Center (DRC). Photo credit: Rmsp. |
The Dayak Research Center (DRC): On January 4, 2025, the Institut Teknologi Keling Kumang (ITKK) marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the Dayak Research Center (DRC). The event, held on the ITKK campus in Sekadau, was attended by key academic figures and community leaders. ITKK Rector Dr. Stefanus Masiun presided over the ceremony, with Redemptus Musa Narang, Chairman of the Keling Kumang Education Foundation (YPKK), as an honorary witness.
The establishment of the DRC signals a new era for Dayak studies, research, and intellectual discourse. During the inauguration, Dr. Masiun officially appointed the core DRC team, which consists of prominent scholars and researchers: Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.; Albertus Imas, M.A.; Alexander Mering, S.H.; Dr. Patricia Ganing; Dr. Louis Ringah Kanyan; and Dr. Wilson. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various fields, ensuring that the center will become a leading hub for Dayak research, cultural preservation, and academic publication.
“The DRC is not just another research institution—it is a center of excellence that will elevate the Dayak people through rigorous academic inquiry, groundbreaking research, and high-quality publications. I have complete confidence that this team will produce studies of international caliber that will contribute significantly to the understanding of Dayak culture and history,” stated Dr. Masiun during his speech.
The center’s mission extends beyond research; it is also committed to fostering digital literacy, archiving historical data, and managing media platforms to disseminate knowledge effectively. The DRC aims to bridge the gap between academia and local communities, ensuring that its findings are accessible and beneficial to the Dayak people as a whole.
Redemptus Musa Narang emphasized the crucial role of the DRC as a think tank that will collaborate closely with ITKK. More than just an academic initiative, he envisions the DRC as a catalyst for social change. “We need research institutions that do more than produce papers. The DRC must be part of the solution, providing insights and strategies that directly benefit our society,” he remarked.
As the DRC embarks on its journey, it has already laid the groundwork for ambitious projects. The team is set to conduct field studies, collaborate with international research institutions, and publish works that highlight Dayak contributions to history, environmental sustainability, and cultural identity. Additionally, the DRC will work on mapping Dayak sub-ethnic groups, documenting indigenous knowledge systems, and exploring the impact of modernization on traditional communities.
With this strong foundation, the DRC is poised to become a driving force in the academic and cultural revitalization of the Dayak people. Through dedicated research and strategic partnerships, it aims to shape a future where the Dayak heritage is not only preserved but also celebrated and recognized on a global scale. (X-5)
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