Khas Kalimantan (Unique Kalimantan)

Edi V. Petebang, Contributor, Pontianak | Feature | Wed, October 31 2012, 10:49 AM The Jakarta Post Paper Edition | Page: 21 [www.thejakartapost.com] “If you wish to maintain your offspring, go to Arut, Central Kalimantan, in the direction of the sunrise. Behead Patih Arut [the communal chief], bring his whole and fresh head here in place of you for menganjan [sacrificial ritual],” village elder Ukot Bebodah ordered two brothers, Sesulor and Sesileh. This legend is always remembered by the Dayak Pesaguan ethnic group living by Pesaguan River and its tributaries in Ketapang regency, West Kalimantan, when conducting the menganjan ritual to usher spirits of the dead to heaven, formerly with human sacrifice. “In this ritual, the community of Dayak Pesaguan is reminded of the sacrifice of the Tuluyan people in the group, who used to serve as offerings in menganjan ceremonies,” said Gemalo Nius, 55, the communal chief of Serengkah Kanan village. Menganjan is eithe...