 |
| Pre-Capitalism and Its Role in the Dayak Community by AI. |
The Dayak Research Center (DRC) - SEKADAU : Pre-capitalism is a concept referring to economic or social systems that have not fully embraced the principles of modern capitalism.
In a pre-capitalist system, although there are early forms of trade, commercial production, and capital accumulation, the social and economic structures are still dominated by traditional norms, subsistence production patterns, and the influence of feudal or social systems that do not prioritize profit.
Read This Is Our Customary Forest, Not State Forest
In his book Pre-Capitalism in Asia - Prakapitalisme di Asia (1948/1983), Dr. J.H. Booke examines how pre-capitalism in Asia often includes forms of production that are non-industrial, especially in rural areas. In the Asian context, pre-capitalism can be observed in subsistence agriculture systems, social structures dominated by agrarian elites, and the deep influence of local cultures on people’s ways of life. The book reveals that even though capitalism has spread across many parts of Asia, many areas remain trapped in traditional forms of economy and society, attempting to adapt to global changes without losing their local characteristics.
For instance, in the Dayak communities of Borneo, many economic practices are still rooted in traditional patterns, such as shifting cultivation, hunting, and foraging. While interactions with the outside world have become more frequent, their social and economic systems still bear the marks of pre-capitalism, especially in the way they collectively manage natural resources sustainably.
Characteristics of Pre-Capitalism in Dayak Villages Today
In many Dayak villages, the characteristics of pre-capitalism are still very apparent.
First, the Dayak people remain heavily reliant on subsistence production, meaning they produce most of their own food, especially in agriculture. They manage their land for rice, vegetables, and other crops using traditional methods, which prioritize sustainability over short-term profit. This system is often based on crop rotation or agroforestry to maintain soil fertility.
Second, in Dayak society, there is a strong social bond between individuals and the community. Values like sharing and mutual cooperation are deeply ingrained, with communal efforts to achieve common goals being more important than individual gain. In many ways, this mirrors the pre-capitalist system, where social stability is emphasized over the accumulation of capital or profit.
Read The Dayak of Borneo: Guardians of the Rainforest or Scapegoats of Deforestation?
However, as the global market and economic changes reach deeper into rural areas, many Dayak communities are also adopting capitalist economic practices, such as trading forest products or selling land to develop palm oil plantations. Despite this, capitalism has not fully replaced their traditional systems, and the Dayak people continue to maintain values rooted in their culture and their traditional methods of production.
Fair Regulation of Land Use Rights (HGU and HGB) to Protect Indigenous Communities' Rights
The recognition and protection of land rights for indigenous communities, including the Dayak, are crucial in ensuring fair development. In Borneo, much of the Dayak ancestral land has been encroached upon due to the issuance of land use rights (HGU) and building rights (HGB) by the government or private companies without adequate involvement of indigenous communities. A fair and just regulation of HGU and HGB is highly anticipated to protect indigenous rights and ensure that the Dayak people, as the original inhabitants of Borneo, are not displaced from their ancestral lands.
As the "first nation" of Borneo, the Dayak people have the right to their land and territories, which they have managed for generations. Without clear and fair regulations regarding HGU and HGB, their ancestral land can easily be taken over by outsiders for economic purposes. Therefore, it is crucial for the government to revise policies to better protect indigenous rights, allowing them to maintain their land and cultural heritage not only as a legacy but also as a vital source of livelihood and identity.
The Shift of Civilization from the Coast to the Interior and the Meaning of "From Curse to Blessing"
Since the 1990s, the shift of civilization from the coast to the interior of Borneo has brought significant changes to the Dayak people. In the past, the Dayak were often regarded as "the people of the interior" or "river dwellers" who lived in isolation, far from the centers of civilization. However, as the economy and development have expanded into Borneo's interior, areas once considered remote are now becoming centers of attention.
The phrase "from curse to blessing" refers to the shift in perception toward the Dayak people. Once considered isolated and backward, they now possess valuable natural resources and lands. This change has also created new challenges for the Dayak, as they must balance preserving their cultural heritage with the impact of rapid development.
This shift has created opportunities for the Dayak to engage more in economic development while maintaining their identity as rightful landowners. With the increasing demand for commodities such as palm oil, what was once seen as a neglected region is now of significant strategic importance.
Dayak Progress and the Struggle for Independence in the Face of Globalization
Today, the Dayak people have made significant progress in various aspects of life. They are increasingly involved in education, politics, and the economy, and they can now compete with other communities in numerous fields. However, despite these advancements, their greatest challenge is maintaining their independence and their position as "masters in their own home."
Read The Role of Forests for Dayak Communities Around Kayan Mentarang National Park
For example, deforestation and the influx of foreign investment, particularly in the form of palm oil plantations and mining, pose serious threats to their ancestral land. Many of the lands they once managed traditionally are now being exploited due to the rapid expansion of business activities that do not take into account the social or environmental impacts. As such, the struggle to maintain land rights, preserve the environment, and safeguard their natural resources remains critical for the Dayak people.
Furthermore, economic independence is closely tied to their ability to manage and sustainably utilize their natural resources without relying on large-scale exploitation by outsiders. Therefore, the Dayak must continue to fight for their rights, both through legal means and by strengthening social solidarity within their communities.
Pre-capitalism provides a strong foundation for indigenous communities like the Dayak to preserve their traditional ways of life, which are based on sustainable production systems and deep social values. However, as capitalism and external investments encroach, they face significant challenges in maintaining their independence and rights to land. It is, therefore, essential for the Dayak to be given a fair share in the regulation of land use rights, ensuring they are not displaced in the name of development.
By integrating economic progress with the preservation of their cultural and environmental heritage, the Dayak people can achieve sustainable development and ensure a prosperous future while retaining their identity as the rightful stewards of Borneo's land.
-- Masri Sareb Putra
Posting Komentar