Protecting Ancestral Traces: The Menua Engkrejai Indigenous Community Maintains Indigenous Knowledge and Protects Territorial Land in Kapuas Hulu Regency 

The Menua Engkrejai Indigenous Community is one of the indigenous communities that still lives in longhouses, a characteristic feature of the Iban Dayak people, in Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan. This community maintains traditional values, traditions, and rituals, including the existence of ancestral sites within their customary territory. However, these sites have not been officially established and are poorly maintained.

Between 2019 and 2024, the Menua Engkrejai Indigenous Community discovered an ancestral site in their customary territory. The site was inhabited by their ancestors, or "kayangan" (people of the heavens). panggau in Iban). In the area of ​​the site there are traces of footprints Rivet (called Rivet Foot Bekau). Rivet For the Indigenous People, Tua Engkrejai is a celestial person who is believed to be their ancestor. Foot numbness Rivet first discovered by a member of the Indigenous Community around 1999 and 2004 while fishing in the river. The footprints Rivet The footprints were found on a rock in the river. However, not all places have footprints left behind. Rivet. That's why the Bekau Kaki site Rivet In Engkrejai, it is considered very valuable by the Iban Dayak Indigenous Community. In ancient times Rivet It is also believed by the Indigenous Community of Menua Engkrejai to be the most powerful person among the Dayak Iban. Also during his lifetime Rivet is a very influential person in the life of the Tua Engkrejai Indigenous Community who teaches many ways of life and goodness.

The indigenous community believes that this area must be protected and preserved, given its rarity and undiscovered location. For the Iban Dayak people, this site is sacred. Therefore, a traditional site inauguration ritual is necessary in the Menua Engkrejai customary area to ensure its continued function as per the traditions of the Menua Engkrejai indigenous community.

Reinforcement of the Foot Bekau Rivet This was done through the Sengekelan traditional ritual. The process of inaugurating the Bekau Kaki Site Rivet This is done through four traditional sengkelan rituals. The traditional sengkelan ritual is to confirm the footprints. rivet held in February 2025, it also invited Indigenous Peoples from communities in Batang Lupar District. When the ritual is carried out, everyone who attends the ritual must wear traditional clothes, weaving or scarves. Starting at night before the core ritual is carried out, the next morning, the core ritual is at the Bekau Kaki location Rivet, and after returning from the main ritual.

There are three main ingredients used in this ritual, including: sticky rice which is inserted into bamboo, renai or glutinous rice baked like popcorn, tumpe from pounded rice and the result is shaped like a moon.

Additionally, eggs are used, depending on the number of plates used (an odd number, 3-9, is not allowed). The number of plates depends on the type of ritual being performed. Nine plates are used for the inauguration of a site because ancestors are believed to be visiting. Five chickens, whose blood is drawn, are smeared on their feathers and placed among the offerings, and two pigs are offered.

Bekau Kaki Site Confirmation Rivet In addition to preserving history and traditions, this also serves to protect the surrounding ecosystem. The Indigenous community agreed that, in addition to the river where the rivet stone is located, the forest area within a 50-meter radius surrounding the river would also be protected.

It was proven that after the site was inaugurated through traditional rituals, footprints were found. rivet What was previously hard to find is now never lost again. Through this recognition, communities can maintain ancestral traditions and beliefs and commit to protecting the ecosystem in their customary areas.

On the other hand support Dana Nusantara also resulted in strengthening the management and operational of education in three Traditional Schools in Kapuas Hulu Regency owned by the Banua Tamao Ketamanggungan Tamambaloh Indigenous Community of Tamao Village, Embaloh Hulu District, Hengkung Kayaan Medalaam Indigenous Community of Kayaan Medalaam Ketemenggungan Kayaan Medalaam District, North Putussibau District, Nanga Danoen Ketemenggungan Dayak Kalis Tribe Indigenous Community of Nanga Danau Village, Kalis District. The program is estimated to have a social impact on at least 430 young generations in 3 sub-districts covering an area of ​​15 thousand hectares in Kapuas Hulu Regency. All of these educational materials are an effort to ensure the continuity of culture as well as protection for the environment and customary territories.