Traditional Tolak Bala Ritual and Launch of the Engkadin Dayak Customary Law Book Strengthen Cultural and Forest Conservation

Ketapang, West Kalimantan – The people of Engkadin Hamlet, Sepakat Jaya Village, Nanga Tayap District, held their annual Traditional Tolak Bala Ritual alongside the launch of the Engkadin Dayak Customary Law Book on Saturday (July 18, 2026) at the Tumbang Ruwi Traditional House. The event marked an important milestone in strengthening cultural preservation while reaffirming the close relationship between customary traditions and forest conservation.

The event was attended by the customary leaders (Demong Adat) and residents of Engkadin Hamlet, Pranaraya Indonesia, representatives from the Nanga Tayap District Office, the Sepakat Jaya Village Government, the Village Consultative Body (BPD), PT Sepanjang Intisurya Mulia (SiSM), PT Simas Sawit Kalimantan (SSK), the Lemmanis Village Forest Management Institution (LPHD), and Community Forest Ecosystem Services (CFES).

The participation of PT SiSM and PT SSK demonstrated the companies' support for preserving the customs and culture of the Engkadin community, whose traditional territory is adjacent to the companies' operational areas. As companies operating in Sepakat Jaya Village, both support initiatives that promote local cultural preservation and sustainable natural resource management through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

An Annual Ritual Rich in Meaning

The Traditional Tolak Bala Ritual is an annual tradition observed every July before the start of the land-clearing season for shifting cultivation. The ritual serves as an expression of gratitude to Almighty God while also offering collective prayers for safety, blessings, and protection for the community in carrying out their activities, as well as for the continued preservation of the forest and surrounding environment.

The ceremony was led by Engkadin's customary leaders, Daryanto and Semboh, together with the Mantir Adat (traditional elders). The procession began with the ceremonial cleansing of the village heirlooms, followed by the Tolak Bala ritual, and concluded with the installation of ancak at the boundaries of Engkadin Hamlet as a symbol of protection for the customary territory. Beyond its profound spiritual significance, the ritual also serves as a means of passing down cultural values to younger generations so that ancestral traditions continue to thrive amid modern developments.

Launch of the Engkadin Dayak Customary Law Book

Following the traditional ceremony, the event continued with the launch of the Engkadin Dayak Customary Law Book, a collaborative effort between CFES, the customary leaders of Engkadin, and various contributors involved in its development.

In the opening remarks, a CFES representative introduced the ongoing collaboration between CFES, LPHD Lemmanis, and Pranaraya Indonesia in supporting the management of the Lemmanis Village Forest. The customary law book was developed as both a documentation of traditional knowledge and an educational resource for the community, particularly younger generations.

To officially mark the book's use, copies of the Engkadin Dayak Customary Law Book were ceremonially presented to representatives in attendance, including customary leaders, village officials, partners, and other stakeholders. The presentation symbolized appreciation for the collaborative efforts behind the book's development while reaffirming a shared commitment to preserving and passing on customary values to future generations.

Many participants expressed their appreciation for the publication of the book. Rahmawati, Chair of Pranaraya Indonesia, expressed pride in the successful completion of the Engkadin Dayak Customary Law Book. She stated that the book is expected to serve as a valuable tool for preserving culture while strengthening the community's role in protecting the Lemmanis Village Forest. She also emphasized that safeguarding forests is part of both a moral responsibility and the values taught by religion.

Similarly, Maximus WM, Senior Manager of PT SiSM, described the book's publication as a strategic step toward preserving cultural values and protecting natural resources. He expressed hope that additional copies would be printed so that every household in Engkadin Hamlet could own one as a lasting legacy of customary knowledge for future generations.

Meanwhile, Mujahidin from the Malay Cultural Customary Council (MABM) praised the successful launch of the book. MABM, as the traditional institution representing the Malay community, has long maintained close collaboration with the Dayak Customary Council (DAD) in various cultural and customary activities. Both organizations share the same commitment to maintaining harmony among communities and consistently work together in efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of West Kalimantan.

He further encouraged the community not only to keep the book as a collection but also to read and study it so that customary values remain understood and passed on. He also proposed publishing the book's contents through social media to make them more accessible to younger generations. According to him, launching the book in conjunction with the Traditional Tolak Bala Ritual held special significance because it took place at the beginning of the month in the Malay customary calendar, a period believed to bring blessings and prosperity.

Collaboration to Protect Culture and Forests

CFES Kalimantan Regional Coordinator, Alponsus Alpiadi, expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported the preparation of the book. He explained that it was developed together with the customary leaders as an effort to document traditional knowledge that had previously been transmitted only through oral tradition.

He also encouraged community members, particularly young people, to actively participate in customary activities while helping conserve the Lemmanis Village Forest. During the event, Alponsus introduced a range of products developed by the Tanjung Pandan Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS) as examples of sustainable, forest-based community economic development. Concluding his remarks, he shared an inspiring message:

"Do not leave tears behind; leave springs of water for our children and grandchildren."

A Legacy of Knowledge for Future Generations

Engkadin customary leader Daryanto explained that work on the Dayak Customary Law Book began in late 2025. According to him, its primary purpose is to remind the community so that their customs and cultural traditions are not lost over time.

He admitted that he had been concerned when the project stalled after the initial mentoring process with academics. However, with support from CFES, the work resumed and was ultimately completed, allowing the book to be published and officially launched. Looking ahead, Daryanto hopes the book will continue to be improved by adding documentation of customary rituals, photographs of cultural activities, and information on other traditions and local wisdom.

Another recommendation was made to equip the book with an ISBN so that it can be registered with libraries and distributed more widely. In addition, the inclusion of content on local wisdom, particularly the traditional use of medicinal plants as part of the Dayak community's rich body of knowledge was encouraged to further enrich the publication. 

A Milestone for Strengthening Cultural Preservation

The Traditional Tolak Bala Ritual, combined with the launch of the Engkadin Dayak Customary Law Book, marked an important milestone in strengthening collaboration among various stakeholders to preserve customary traditions, cultural heritage, and natural resources.

The publication of the book is expected to provide a lasting foundation for documenting cultural heritage while increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting the Lemmanis Village Forest as an inseparable part of the indigenous community's way of life. Beyond serving as a tool for cultural preservation, the book is also expected to become an educational resource for younger generations, ensuring that the values, traditions, and local wisdom of the Engkadin Dayak community continue to flourish and be passed on to future generations.