Tanah Ulen - Kearifan Lokal Dayak

Summary

This video highlights the Dayak people's tradition of protecting their natural resources through the concept of 'Tanah Ulen'—sacred forests that are preserved for sustainable use. Located in Long Alango, North Kalimantan, Tanah Ulen is a community-managed conservation area, where hunting and resource collection are strictly regulated. The practices, rooted in local wisdom, ensure that the land's flora and fauna are preserved for future generations. The community has maintained these sacred lands through generations, backed by local laws and strong cultural agreements. These efforts protect vital ecosystems, like clean rivers and diverse wildlife, ensuring long-term sustainability for the Dayak people.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Dayak people have a concept of 'Tanah Ulen', which refers to a protected forest area essential for preserving natural resources.
• 😀 'Tanah Ulen' serves as a cultural and environmental safeguard, passed down through generations in Dayak communities, especially in Hulu Sungai Bahau.
• 😀 The 'Tanah Ulen' of Long Alango, managed by the Kenyalepuk Maut village, was originally a family-owned resource but was later handed over to the community for collective management.
• 😀 The strict protection of 'Tanah Ulen' ensures that the forest and its resources, such as wildlife and clean rivers, remain undisturbed, with penalties for violations.
• 😀 The land is vital for the Dayak community’s subsistence, providing resources like animals for hunting, fish, and clean water, which they rely on for daily living.
• 😀 'Tanah Ulen' is rich in biodiversity, supporting various flora and fauna, including high-value fish like the Pelian fish.
• 😀 Local customs and traditional laws govern the use of 'Tanah Ulen', with specific permissions for hunting during special events like weddings or harvest festivals.
• 😀 The community enforces heavy fines for illegal activities, such as hunting specific animals (e.g., banteng, enggang birds, cucak rowo) within the protected area.
• 😀 The rules surrounding 'Tanah Ulen' are codified in official village regulations, ensuring proper management and protection of the land and resources.
• 😀 The preservation of 'Tanah Ulen' is not only for the benefit of the current generation but is seen as crucial for future generations, maintaining the balance of nature.

Q & A

What is the meaning of 'Tanah Ulen' in the context of the Dayak community?

'Tanah Ulen' refers to a protected forest area, a concept rooted in the Dayak community's traditional practices of safeguarding natural resources. It is a sacred and restricted land meant to preserve the environment and the resources within it.

How is 'Tanah Ulen' managed by the Dayak people in Hulu Sungai Bahau?

The Dayak community in Hulu Sungai Bahau continues to protect and manage 'Tanah Ulen' through strict local rules and regulations. The forest is considered a shared resource, and its management involves the cooperation of the entire community to ensure sustainability.

What are some specific rules regarding the use of 'Tanah Ulen'?

The primary rule is that 'Tanah Ulen' is not to be accessed freely. Hunting and resource extraction are only allowed during certain events, such as weddings or harvest festivals. There are also heavy fines for violations, including for illegal hunting.

What role does 'Tanah Ulen' play in the daily life of the Dayak people?

'Tanah Ulen' serves as a crucial resource for the Dayak people, providing a variety of plants and animals for their sustenance. It is vital for the community, especially in a remote area with limited access to external resources.

What are the penalties for violating the rules of 'Tanah Ulen'?

Violators of 'Tanah Ulen' are subject to fines. For example, illegal hunting of banteng (wild cattle) incurs a fine of 10 million IDR, while hunting certain birds like the enggang or cucak rowo can result in fines ranging from 1 million to 5 million IDR, depending on the species.

What cultural significance does 'Tanah Ulen' have for the Dayak people?

Beyond its ecological value, 'Tanah Ulen' is deeply embedded in the Dayak community's cultural practices. It represents a long-standing tradition of mutual respect for nature, and it is a symbol of the community's identity and responsibility toward the environment.

How is the management of 'Tanah Ulen' formalized by the local government?

The management of 'Tanah Ulen' is formalized through a village regulation (Nomor 01/WLH/2016), which outlines the guidelines for its use, protection, and the management of the surrounding cultural and environmental sites.

What are the benefits of preserving 'Tanah Ulen' for the Dayak community?

Preserving 'Tanah Ulen' ensures the sustainable supply of natural resources like clean water and food. It also maintains the local biodiversity, providing both the community and future generations with necessary ecological services.

How do the people of Desa Long Alango contribute to the protection of 'Tanah Ulen'?

The people of Desa Long Alango actively contribute by adhering to the traditional rules and collaborating to protect 'Tanah Ulen.' Their shared commitment ensures that the land is used responsibly, and the resources are preserved for future generations.

What is the importance of the river 'Sungai Gangga' in relation to 'Tanah Ulen'?

'Sungai Gangga' is an important waterway that flows through 'Tanah Ulen' and is essential for the local ecosystem. It provides clean water and supports the diverse aquatic life, including rare fish like the pelian (a highly valued species).