Dayak Customary Council urged to be proactive and detect conflicts early to prevent them

Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran has urged the Dayak Customary Council (DAD) to take a proactive rather than reactive stance in detecting early potential conflicts within communities before they spread. ‘This is one of three main focuses that should form the guiding ethos of DAD’s movement going forward,’ he said during the inauguration of the DAD leadership and Barisan Pertahanan Masyarakat Adat Dayak (Batamad) at the regency/city level in Central Kalimantan, as well as the DAD’s Legal Aid Institute, in Palangka Raya on Friday. He stressed that in resolving disputes, dialogue and deliberation must remain paramount, with customary institutions acting as neutral, fair and trusted bridges. The second focus is strengthening local wisdom as part of the instruments of law, morality and education. ‘The Huma Betang philosophy, which embodies the values of togetherness, tolerance and mutual assistance, must continue to be realised,’ he said. The Governor also asked DAD to help ensure that economic development and investment entering Central Kalimantan continue to proceed in harmony with respect for customary rights and the preservation of local culture. Additionally, attention to the younger generation is important, including through promoting local content taught in Dayak language in schools, as a concrete step to ensure the Dayak language remains alive and enduring. Thirdly, DAD is asked to continue to play a role as a strategic partner of the regional government and security forces, prioritising coordination, communication and collaboration. ‘Synergy should not only be with the regional government, but also with Forkopimda, stakeholders, and the private sector in safeguarding the dignity and honour of Dayak adat communities, preserving customs, and maintaining security and order in Central Kalimantan,’ he said.