Daniel Banai: Preserving Iban Heritage in Rumah Punjung

If you ever find yourself traveling to Sintang, West Kalimantan—whether for leisure or a work trip—make time to visit Sekolah Adat Rumah Punjung, or Rumah Punjung Indigenous School. Here, you won’t just witness traditions; you’ll walk into the living world of the Iban people—one of the largest Dayak sub-ethnic groups in the eastern part of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This isn’t a museum or a reenactment. It’s living heritage.

Rumah Punjung stands as a beacon of indigenous education and cultural revival. Led by Daniel Banai, a respected elder from the Iban community in Tempunak, this school is where tradition is not only taught but practiced. From oral histories to ritual ceremonies, Daniel ensures that the wisdom of his ancestors is passed down to the next generation—not as nostalgia, but as a foundation for identity.

From Oral History to Cultural Immersion

Daniel Banai is more than a cultural guardian—he’s also a storyteller and an educator. In 2015, he served as a key informant for writer Masri Sareb Putra in the creation of the historical novel Keling and Kumang. The book explores the mythic figures of Iban oral tradition—Keling, the brave warrior, and Kumang, the wise and noble woman—embodying the moral ideals of the Iban world.

Inspired by the urgency to preserve Iban identity, Daniel established Sekolah Adat Rumah Punjung as a grassroots response to the erosion of local culture. Here, children and young adults learn about their ancestral language, customs, kinship systems, and sacred connections to the land. Daniel also founded a community library, filled with books on Iban folklore, Dayak cosmology, and indigenous knowledge systems—resources rarely found in formal education.

But Rumah Punjung is more than a classroom. It’s a cultural ecosystem.

Rituals are practiced regularly:

• Pemali Rice Wine Opening Ceremony, a spiritual opening to any major cultural event.
• Kawin Patah Ricik, the traditional Iban marriage ceremony.
• Nijak Batu Telur, the “egg-stone stepping” rite symbolizing loyalty and resilience.

These are not performances for tourists—they are vital expressions of cultural continuity.

Attracting Global Attention, Honoring Local Wisdom

Rumah Punjung has gradually attracted visitors far beyond the borders of Kalimantan. Government officials, university researchers, and cultural scholars often come to witness the school’s activities firsthand. Recently, a group of French travelers visited Rumah Punjung, drawn by its authenticity and the Iban people’s ecological worldview.

Daniel sees these visits not as cultural showcases, but as opportunities for intercultural dialogue. “We’re not a backward community,” he once said in a public forum. “We just live in a different way.”

His work resonates deeply with the younger generation of Iban, many of whom are navigating life between modern Indonesia and their indigenous roots. In a time of global homogenization, Rumah Punjung serves as an anchor. It's a place where tradition is not static—but adaptive, dynamic, and empowering.

Supported by village elders, youth activists, and cultural workers, Daniel’s vision is not about resisting change—it’s about reclaiming dignity through heritage. He believes that by centering indigenous knowledge and pride, the Iban people can build a stronger, more grounded future.

Why Rumah Punjung Matters Today

Daniel Banai’s story is a reminder that cultural heritage is not something to be archived. It must be lived, practiced, and shared. Rumah Punjung is a living testament that indigenous education can thrive alongside modern systems—not in competition, but in complement.

In an era where traditions are often reduced to hashtags and souvenirs, Rumah Punjung offers something radically different: a living, breathing community of memory.

So, if you're ever in West Kalimantan, don’t miss your chance to visit. Come with respect, and you’ll leave with insight.

 -- Apai Deraman