Dayak Insult Allegation in Nunukan, Indigenous Groups Demand State and Customary Law Sanctions

A joint statement has been issued by several Dayak indigenous organizations in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, addressing an alleged insult against the Dayak ethnic group on social media. These groups are demanding an unconditional apology from the perpetrator and a thorough investigation under both state and customary law. The statement was read by Rahmat Hidayat, Secretary of the Laskar Pemuda Adat Dayak Kalimantan (LPADKT) Nunukan branch, accompanied by representatives from Lembaga Adat Dayak (LAD) Nunukan, Persatuan Suku Asli Kalimantan (PUSAKA), Persekutuan Dayak Lundayeh (PDL), and Aliansi Lundayeh Menggugat (ALM). "This alleged insult goes beyond mere differences of opinion or freedom of expression; it has touched upon the honor, identity, culture, and dignity of the Dayak community," Rahmat stated. Their demands are outlined in seven points. The demands include a strong condemnation of all forms of insult and a call for an unconditional public apology from those responsible. They also urge law enforcement agencies to handle the case professionally, objectively, and transparently. Furthermore, they advocate for the application of Dayak customary law mechanisms in resolving the issue, alongside the police investigation. The indigenous groups believe that customary sanctions are crucial as a form of accountability for actions that have hurt the identity of their community. Concurrently, they are appealing to the public, especially the Dayak community, to maintain regional stability. While they do not wish for the issue to escalate into social conflict, they emphasize that insults against indigenous identity and dignity cannot be left unaddressed. Nunukan Police Chief AKBP Ruslaeni confirmed that the police have swiftly responded to information regarding the alleged insult against the Dayak tribe circulating on Facebook. Upon receiving the information, the police immediately began tracing the individuals involved in the photos. Currently, three individuals have been secured for clarification and further investigation. Social media investigations revealed a Facebook account that posted content related to SARA (ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup relations) which offended the Dayak indigenous community and had the potential to disrupt harmony in Nunukan Regency. Following the post, some Dayak residents, clad in traditional attire, visited the account owner's residence. Fortunately, police intervention managed to calm the crowd and control the situation. Source: Detik