KUCHING: Borneo should not be dubbed as the ‘land of the headhunters’ anymore but instead, rebranded as ‘Land of the Dayak’.
The term ‘Land of the Headhunters’ which was heavily associated with the savage historical culture of the natives (Dayak) in Borneo was no longer relevant in today’s society and this infamous tag should be terminated once and for all.
Speaking to The Borneo Post after the Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF) held at Penview Hotel here yesterday, organising chairman Dr John Brian Anthony claimed tourists are still wary of the threat of having their heads cut off when they come to Borneo.
“And this is not friendly at all. It’s bad publicity.
“This is no longer synonym to the Dayak culture today. As the government has been promoting heavily on local Sarawak cultures as its tourism product, why not we (the Dayak) promote Borneo as ‘Land of the Dayak’ instead?,” he said.
John Brian who is also Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) deputy president added that Dayak (natives) people are famous for its rich cultures, customs and hospitality, and no longer associated with the tradition of headhunting.
“What more suitable way than to promote the Dayaks than their cultures and products,” he said.
John Brian stated that re-branding the third largest island in the world, as ‘Land of the Dayak’ would bring lots of benefit to the natives. For a start, it would create more awareness of the uniqueness and traditions of the Dayak. In addition, it would be in
line with the vision of getting all natives to group together under the Dayak banner.
“As we move forward into the 21st Century, it is very important to globalise the Dayak economy. It would certainly aid the development of the Dayak. Among other steps that could be taken was the patterning of Dayak cultural patterns, which was heavily marketed, in almost every local product today.
The term ‘Land of the Headhunters’ which was heavily associated with the savage historical culture of the natives (Dayak) in Borneo was no longer relevant in today’s society and this infamous tag should be terminated once and for all.
Speaking to The Borneo Post after the Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF) held at Penview Hotel here yesterday, organising chairman Dr John Brian Anthony claimed tourists are still wary of the threat of having their heads cut off when they come to Borneo.
“And this is not friendly at all. It’s bad publicity.
“This is no longer synonym to the Dayak culture today. As the government has been promoting heavily on local Sarawak cultures as its tourism product, why not we (the Dayak) promote Borneo as ‘Land of the Dayak’ instead?,” he said.
John Brian who is also Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) deputy president added that Dayak (natives) people are famous for its rich cultures, customs and hospitality, and no longer associated with the tradition of headhunting.
“What more suitable way than to promote the Dayaks than their cultures and products,” he said.
John Brian stated that re-branding the third largest island in the world, as ‘Land of the Dayak’ would bring lots of benefit to the natives. For a start, it would create more awareness of the uniqueness and traditions of the Dayak. In addition, it would be in
line with the vision of getting all natives to group together under the Dayak banner.
“As we move forward into the 21st Century, it is very important to globalise the Dayak economy. It would certainly aid the development of the Dayak. Among other steps that could be taken was the patterning of Dayak cultural patterns, which was heavily marketed, in almost every local product today.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo Land of the Dayaks, not Land of the Headhunters
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