"Isen Mulang" — a Dayak phrase meaning “never give up” — embodies the spirit of resilience that runs deep in the cultural roots of the Dayak people. It’s more than just a motto; it’s a way of life that speaks to their enduring connection with the land, their traditions, and each other.
This spirit takes vibrant form each year during the "Isen Mulang Festival" in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. Surrounded by dense rainforest, the city becomes a living stage for Dayak heritage, with week-long festivities that include traditional dances, music, culinary competitions, parades, and river races. The festival isn’t just a celebration — it’s a declaration of identity and strength.
At a time when many indigenous cultures are fading, the Dayak people of Borneo are holding on. But they are not just preserving their traditions — they are evolving them. The younger generation is finding ways to keep their identity alive in a changing world, blending old wisdom with new realities. Their culture is not about nostalgia; it’s about survival, pride, and continuity. It is a resilient force that strengthens the human-nature connection.
“Hornbill”
The hornbill is one of the most important and sacred animals in Dayak culture across Borneo It s seen as messenger between the human world and the spiritual world In Iban Dayak mythology the hornbill represents the God of war who grants protection victory and guidance in battle br br Sandy 19 y o law student native Dayak br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
“Hornbill portrait”
The hornbill is a totemic animal for many Dayak groups Its presence is a good omen often symbolizing blessings from ancestors or deities br br Sandy 19 y o law student native Dayak br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
"Black Orchid"
Orchids are part of the natural flora that define landscape aesthetics for many Dayak communities In art tourism batik patterns botanical gardens in Borneo orchids are featured as a part of cultural identity br br Keisha 18 y o high school graduate native Dayak br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
“Naga and sunbird”
Dayak symbols of cosmic balance The dragon Naga according to Ngaju Dayak mythology represents the underworld and water element while the hornbill represents the upper world and sky element Together they symbolize the balance of the cosmos - above abd below life and death fertility and destruction br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
“Warrior”
Traditional attire of Dayak warrior with shield feathers and hornbill beak Beyond physical defense Dayak shields are believed to provide spiritual protection from enemy spirits curses and unsee danger While feathers represent spiritual armor status and cosmic connectors reflecting both the warrior s courage and the community s beliefs about harmony with nature and the spirit world The beak signify bravery leadership and high rank in the community br br Indra 37 y o notary native Dayak br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
“Babukung”
The Babukung is a traditional mask and ceremonial attire from the Maanyan Dayak people of Central Kalimantan It is closely tied to death rituals and ancestor ceremonies especially the Tiwah ritual which is the secondary burial ceremony to release the soul of the deceased to the afterlife br br Hefi 22 y o sociology student native Dayak br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
“Kahayan Bridge”
Landmark bridge in Palangka Raya the capital of Central Kalimantan br br Riski 23 y o notary employee native Dayak br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
“Museum Balanga”
Museum of Palangka Raya focused on the cultural historical ethnographic and natural heritage of the Dayak people br br Aher 30 y o modeling coach and owner of costumes gallery native Dayak br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
“Hornbill”
The hornbill has significant role in rituals and festivals During Gawai Dayak harvest festival and other ceremonies hornbill imagery is carved painted or danced to invite prosperity and protection The Hornbill Dance is well-known ritual dance that imitates the bird s movements and is performed to honor spirits and ancestors br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
“Bebek”
Duck - common animal in Kalimantan villages Among Dayak people it s mostly tied to daily life and food traditions br br Syahrul 23 y o university graduate in management native Dayak br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia
Dayak people
Procession of Dayak communities during Isen Mulang Festival It is the biggest cultural festival in Central Kalimantan It brings together all Dayak sub-ethnic groups Ngaju Maanyan Ot Danum etc br br Palangka Raya Central Kalimantan Indonesia