Dayak Tribe Tradition in Saginah Village Celebrates Mountain Climbing in Efforts for Salvation

In the middle of the Kalimantan wilderness, a small village called Saginah village is home to a community of Dayak tribes who hold fast to their indigenous traditions. One of the most revered and sacred events by the Dayak people here is "climb up the mountain" a celebration that aims to maintain the safety and well-being of the entire community. In an interview with Mr. Martinus Ude, a leader or Imam of Pamango Panyugu Mountaineering in Saginah village, we gain an insight into the importance and meaning behind this tradition.

Mount Talaga Panyunggu Tangkadi: Deep Symbolism

The peak of Mount Talaga Panyunggu Tangkadi is a sacred place for the Dayak community in Saginah Village. This mountain is considered a spiritual being who guards their safety by abstaining called  "Balala". Through traditional mountain climbing ceremonies, Dayak people believe that they will get protection from nature and their ancestors, as well as strengthen social ties among fellow citizens. 

Hereditary Generation

According to the inheritance of the leader of this traditional ceremony must be passed down from generation to generation from the family concerned, for example from parents, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so on. Hereditary generation is the practice of inheriting the role or position of traditional ceremony leader from one generation to the next in a family. In this context, the role of ceremonial leader is passed down from a particular family member to another family member in sequence, for example from parent to child, then from child to grandchild, from grandchild to great-grandchild, and so on.

Preparation with Deep Meaning

Before climbing Mount Talaga Panyunggu Tangkadi, the Dayak community in Saginah village made preparations full of meaning. Such as traditional clothes, bandanas (Simpolo Adat ) special bottles to store fresh water (safety water), yellow rice ( Banyu rice) , eggs, tengkawang fruit (Angkabang), currency (metal), sunguh rice, glutinous rice (sticky rice), and one chicken from each house as a symbol of gratitude and offerings to their ancestors. All of these materials are then taken to Penyuggu, where the traditional ceremony takes place after climbing the mountain.

 Preserving Dayak Cultural Heritage and Identity

The indigenous tradition of mountain climbing is a strong reflection of the cultural identity and local wisdom of the Dayak people. Through this celebration, the younger generation is actively involved in preserving this cultural heritage from generation to generation. The importance of this event for the Dayak community reminds them of the importance of preserving and honoring the values of their ancestors.

Sacred Ceremony: Stamp Of Approval Of Father Balala

During the ceremony, a traditional leader called "Pamangko Panyuggu Bapantang Balala" leads the event. It has a central role in coordinating these celebrations and protecting the cultural values and customs associated with mountaineering events. The role of these indigenous leaders ensures that these traditions are still carried out with honor and sacredness.

Merging with Nature: Pamangko Panyuggu Bapantang Balala

The Dayak community in Kampung Saginah is very aware of the importance of sustainability and the preservation of nature. During the celebration of Mountaineering, they try to maintain a balance between indigenous traditions and environmental sustainability. This step signifies that the Dayak community has a strong awareness of their responsibility in preserving natural resources for future generations.

Support from Local and Outside Communities

The traditional celebration of mountain climbing gained support from the local community and received appreciation from people outside the Dayak community. This support gives impetus to efforts to preserve this tradition in order to continue to be respected and maintained as an integral part of the rich cultural identity of the Dayak tribe.

A Tradition that Cannot be Lost

In an interview with Mr. Martinus Ude, the leader or priest of Pamango Panyugu mountain climbing in village Saginah, he stressed that the traditional tradition of mountain climbing cannot be eliminated. This tradition is a valuable heritage that has lived for centuries and will continue for generations according to the established customary rules.

This article reflects the deep values and local wisdom of the traditional mountaineering of the Dayak people in Kampung Saginah. This event brings them closer to nature and their ancestors, while preserving a valuable cultural heritage. Hopefully the efforts of the Dayak community in preserving this tradition can continue to inspire us all to appreciate and understand the cultural wealth owned by the Indonesian nation.