Dayak culture under threat

Dayak culture under threat

PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: Dayak tribal leaders called
on the provincial government yesterday to establish an
institution to protect the rights of indigenous people.

KMA M. Usop, chairman of the Dayak Consultative Body, told
Antara the proposed institution was urgent. The institution, he
said, was needed to ensure indigenous people were not neglected
in the development process.

"Dayak people do not have a proper institution to channel
their aspirations although they have a demang (government-
appointed representative) in every subdistrict," he said.

Local observers say the demang cannot perform their duties as
expected because they are paid by the government.

Dayak tribes people have frequently been embroiled in disputes
with newcomers from other provinces over land ownership. (pan)