Tirusel, "Panglima Ulong Da'a," Leads Community Efforts to Protect the Krayan Rainforest

Tirusel, also known as "Panglima Ulong Da'a," shows his love for Dayak culture through initiatives like establishing the Dayak Lengilo’ Ulong Da’a Arts Studio in Malinau and Krayan, as well as various indigenous community organizations such as the Forum for Dayak Community Consultation in the Krayan River and Iraw Apo’ Anak Bawang Krayan Tengah. Doc. Tirusel.

For instance, when visiting Bali, it's essential to know who the Balinese people are. Similarly, a journey to Borneo requires a deep appreciation of the region's heritage, especially its indigenous Dayak tribes, recognized as the First Nation of Borneo. 

Introducing "First Nation of Borneo"

Starting today, our digital media team focusing on "Borneo Travel" is excited to introduce a new feature titled "First Nation of Borneo." 

We'll kick things off by highlighting an extraordinary figure from the highlands of Krayan, North Kalimantan: Tirusel STP, S.E., M.Si., born on April 9, 1962, in Ba’ Binuang Village, Central Krayan District, Nunukan Regency. 

He is the fourth child of S. Tipa Padan and M. Ruslen Betung, with his father hailing from the Dayak Lengilo’ Binuang sub-tribe and his mother from the Dayak Lengilo’ Daleng sub-tribe.

Known affectionately as Sel, Tirusel has left a significant mark not only in the government and among the Dayak people but also as a proactive advocate for his culture in Krayan, North Kalimantan.

From his college days, Tirusel has shown unwavering dedication to his community. His education began at SDN Ba’ Binuang and continued at SDN Tanjung Lapang in Malinau, concluding in 1975. His varied educational journey reflects his determination and resilience in pursuing knowledge despite the geographical challenges of the Borneo highlands.

He completed his secondary education at Kristen Tunas Kasih Tarakan School, graduating from elementary school in 1977, middle school in 1981, and high school in 1984. 

That same year, he pursued higher education at the Faculty of Economics at Universitas Mulawarman Samarinda, earning a Diploma in Accounting (D-3) in 1988, and then a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Universitas Widya Gama Mahakam Samarinda in 1991. In 2007, he earned a Master's degree (M.Si.) in Social and Political Sciences from Universitas Mulawarman Samarinda.

Career, Work, and Service

Tirusel’s career began as a staff member at "Citra Niaga" Market Cooperative in Samarinda from 1988 to 1991, where he demonstrated his commitment to local economic development. He also founded the NGO Gemapala-Krayan and served as its chairman from 1990 to 1996, focusing on social advocacy for the Dayak community and environmental preservation in Krayan.

His public service career commenced as Secretary at the Malinau Regional Revenue Office from 2000 to 2012. In 2012, he was appointed Head of the Economic and Investment Division at the Malinau Regency Secretariat, showcasing his skills in managing the local economy. From 2017 to 2019, he served as Head of the Investment, Integrated One-Stop Services, and Labor Office of Malinau, where he successfully enhanced investments and public services.

Beyond his governmental role, Tirusel has been an active researcher and writer since 1992, with a notable publication on "Ulen Land (Customary Land) in the Dayak Community of Long Uli Village, Bulungan Regency, East Kalimantan," released by the Oxford Forestry Institute at the University of Oxford.

He authored the book "The Civilization of Dayak Krayan (Dayak Lengilo’)" published by the Dayak Literacy Institute (LLD) and assisted researchers from the University of Oxford in their doctoral programs.

Panglima Ulong Da'a

His love for Dayak culture is evident through his initiatives, such as establishing the Dayak Lengilo’ Ulong Da’a Arts Studio in Malinau and Krayan, along with various indigenous community organizations like the Forum for Dayak Community Consultation in Krayan River and Iraw Apo’ Anak Bawang Krayan Tengah.

Additionally, Tirusel actively supports the Dayak Punan Toy tribe in Krayan to preserve their customs and culture through the Dayak Punan Toy Arts Studio.

In his personal life, Tirusel STP is married to Heppi Ramat, S.Pd., and they have four children.

Tirusel, along with his beloved partner and soulmate, Hepi Ramat, who is an elementary school teacher. Doc. Tirusel.

Due to his contributions and passion for Dayak arts and culture in Malinau and Krayan, Tirusel is affectionately known as "Panglima Ulong Daa," reminiscent of a heroic figure who constructs a pillar from the ground to the peak, symbolizing his commitment to elevating Dayak culture for all to see.

Through his life journey, Sel emphasizes that hard work, determination, and love for one’s homeland can turn dreams into reality.

Tirusel leads community efforts to protect rainforest

Tirusel STP, S.E., M.Si., stands as a testament to the power of character and a spirit of service that can drive positive change in society and the environment around us.

One noteworthy aspect to highlight is that Tirusel, along with his fellow earth guardians in Krayan, successfully drove away illegal logging operations from a timber company that was attempting to damage the Borneo rainforest. 

They fought with great determination, organizing the community to protect their environment and taking decisive action that forced the loggers to flee in panic. Their bravery and commitment to preserving the forest not only prevented deforestation in Krayan but also inspired conservation efforts in other regions. 

This initiative underscores the crucial role that local communities play in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of these invaluable tropical rainforest ecosystems.

-- Lingu Tawak Lengilo