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| Seven Dayak Philosophy writers, together with the Rector of ITKK, Munaldus as advisor, and Musa as the foundation’s chairman. |
This landmark publication is hailed as the first scholarly work to systematically and deeply explore the seven distinct branches of Dayak philosophy.
A truly comprehensive Dayak philosophy book
“This is the first of its kind, a truly comprehensive Dayak philosophy book that presents the seven branches of thought unique to the Dayak people,” said Masri Sareb Putra, M.A., Director of DRC and moderator of the book discussion.
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The 386-page volume presents Dayak philosophical thinking as a way of living, being, and understanding the world.
The launch began with opening remarks and a formal inauguration by ITKK Rector Dr. Stefanus Masiun. A symbolic gong ceremony followed, with seven gongs struck by Dr. Patricia Ganing, one of the authors from Malaysia, marking the official release.
The discussion took place in a warm and open atmosphere, attended by Sekadau community leaders, ITKK faculty and students, and scholars from the surrounding region.
Dr. Louis Ringah Kanyan, one of the contributors, presented the core content using a semiotic lens, elaborating on the seven formal branches covered in the book: the history of philosophy, ontology, cosmology, ethics, aesthetics, ethno-numerology (Dayak logic), and epistemology. Each domain is explored in the context of local wisdom, cultural practices, and the Dayak people's relationships with nature and others.
Reinterpreting Ngayau and Dayak Strength
One of the most engaging parts of the discussion was the topic of Ngayau—a term often misunderstood and misrepresented as mere headhunting. In the forum, participants collectively reframed Ngayau not as a historical act of violence, but as a symbol of courage and resilience in facing adversity.
The concept has evolved over time. What was once associated with physical warfare is now reinterpreted as a metaphor for intellectual, social, and economic struggle. Ngayau today is about the courage to challenge ignorance, backwardness, and poverty.
“Ngayau today means our bravery to fight against poverty and illiteracy. We are proud to be known as a warrior people,” said one participant—a statement that resonated across the room.
In the philosophical framework offered by the book, Ngayau reflects how Dayak people acquire knowledge, build social relationships, and uphold dignity amid modern challenges— including ecological crises and natural resource exploitation, themes related to what academic discourse terms stabilitas populi (the stability of the people).
A Homegrown Philosophy Emerges
“This is the ideal starting point for how the Dayak people can explore their intellectual heritage from the inside out. It’s not only original, but also deeply enlightening,” he noted.
He pointed out that until now, most studies on the Dayak were written by outsiders. The release of Comprehensive Dayak Philosophy proves that the Dayak themselves are capable of producing systematic, reflective knowledge, grounded in their lived experience.
He also expressed hope that more young Dayak scholars will take up the mantle of critical and deep research into local wisdom, especially in the realms of philosophy, culture, and indigenous values.
“The youth must see Dayak philosophy as a living legacy—not merely something to remember, but something to live and evolve,” he emphasized.
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According to the organizing committee, this book serves as an essential foundational reference for future explorations in indigenous philosophical studies. Prior to this, no academic publication had ever laid out a formal and systematic framework for Dayak philosophy.
Seven Dayak Thinkers, One Vision
The book is the result of a collaborative effort by seven Dayak scholars across disciplines, united by a shared commitment to deeply and seriously engage in the excavation of Dayak thought.
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Prof. Tiwi Etika, Ph.D., who completed her philosophy doctorate in India, led the team with profound insight into Dayak thought, emphasizing its depth and authenticity.
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Dr. Louis Ringah Kanyan contributed a semiotic perspective, decoding symbols and meanings embedded in Dayak rituals and traditions.
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Dr. Patricia anak Ganing enriched the work through linguistic and symbolic analysis, unveiling hidden layers in chants, narratives, and cultural expressions.
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Masri Sareb Putra, M.A. provided comparative insights with Western philosophy, hermeneutics, and media studies, offering a bridge between local wisdom and global discourse.
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Dr. Wilson anak Ayub focused on evolving social relationships in Dayak communities, mapping out their continuous transformation without losing cultural roots.
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Albertus Imas, M.A. added depth through ethno-linguistic studies, explaining how Dayak language reveals underlying philosophical structures and cultural values.
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Alexander Mering, S.H. examined how Dayak identity and philosophy are being re-articulated in the digital age, situating indigenous thought within new media dynamics.
Together, these scholars crafted a framework that not only reflects Dayak ancestral wisdom, but also responds boldly to contemporary challenges with intellectual courage and cultural empathy.
Published by Literasi Dayak in April 2025, this book is more than a philosophical treatise—it is a milestone of cultural and academic awakening.
As Prof. Etika introduces in the preface, and Masri Sareb Putra details in the editorial, the volume asserts a powerful thesis: that within Dayak indigenous wisdom lies a rigorous, reflective, and living philosophical system—not just folklore, but a worldview worthy of place in global philosophical discourse.
Rector Dr. Stefanus Masiun captures the moment's significance in his foreword: “This book doesn’t just fill a gap—it carves out a new path for understanding identity and indigenous wisdom long silenced in the shadows.”
At last, there is a book titled Comprehensive Dayak Philosophy (Filsafat Dayak Komprehensif). This groundbreaking publication marks a major milestone in the intellectual history of the Dayak people. For the first time, the indigenous philosophical worldview of the Dayak is articulated systematically and thoroughly—something that has long been overlooked or fragmented in past writings.
This book not only affirms the depth and richness of Dayak thought but also challenges long-standing assumptions that indigenous knowledge lacks structure or philosophical rigor. Filsafat Dayak stands as a bold statement: that the Dayak possess a unique and coherent system of wisdom, values, and cosmology worthy of recognition on the global philosophical stage.
-- Rangkaya Bada
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