A BOOK ON THE ORIGIN OF DAYAK PUBLISHED
Jakarta (15/10)-WWF-Indonesia in a collaboration with Central Kalimantan provincial government launched a book about the history of Dayak tribe titled “The Ot Danum From Tumbang Miri until Tumbang Rungan.” It tells a story of “Bungai” and “Tambun,” the legendary figures of Dayak Ot Danum tribe who inhabits the central area of Kalimantan island.
The legend of ""Bungai"" and ""Tambun"" is quite popular amongst Central Kalimantan people as the story of their genesis. The two key figures “Bungai” and “Tambun” are believed supranatural as well as Dayak tribe ancestors. Although many of their sites had been damaged gradually , the locations are still considered as sacred and “forbidden” and they still exist until now.
Two Dayak writers, Abdul Fattah Nahan and During Dihit Rampai compiled the story of those two figures and wrote that down into Dayak Ngaju language. To bring this book into national and global scope, it is also translated into Bahasa Indonesia and English.
It is expected to become an effective communication media to raise awareness toward preservation of cultural heritage and environment.
“Generally, according to the philosophy, traditional belief and local wisdom values have huge impact and influence to its followers in perceiving the protection effort of the environment as well as its utilization. This book is intended to become a reminder media and strong appeal for implementing Dayak sacred values in preserving and protecting the environment as the artery of their life, “ said Rosenda C. Kasih, WWF-Indonesia project leader for Central Kalimantan.
Meanwhile the Governor of Central Kalimantan Agustin Teras Narang in his welcome words he wrote on the book, shared the same expectation. He expected that the book featuring the potential of Gunung Mas district will be able to raise awareness toward preservation of cultural asset and environment as well as promote tourism in the province.
WWF in some reports highlighted the importance of Gunung Mas district as one important part of Central Kalimantan river system. Along with Katingan, Barito Utara and Murung Raya districts, it is part of the Heart of Borneo (HoB) designated area.
