For the Dayak people, having tattoos on the body can hold many meanings. The tradition of body tattooing sometimes represents a mark of recognition after completing a long journey. It can also signify the beginning of menstruation for women. For warriors—known as pengayau—tattoos served as proof of having taken an enemy’s head.
Among the Dayak Iban people along the Utik River in West Kalimantan, Bandi—often called Pak Janggut—is a living example of this tattoo tradition. When met at one point, the elder of the Panjai (longhouse) community explained that tattoos mark the experience of traveling far. This tradition, called bajalai, is an original Dayak rite for young people approaching adulthood, symbolizing the transition into an economically active stage of life.
In the past, young Iban men would travel anywhere—often to Malaysia or Brunei. Pak Janggut bears bunga terung (eggplant flower) tattoos across his body, as well as tattoos on his neck, which some references call ukir degug.
“All these tattoos are proof that I have traveled far,” explained Pak Janggut.
He himself had worked in Brunei Darussalam. Other tattooed residents of Utik claimed to have been to Malaysia, Brunei, or Jakarta. However, there were no tattooed women to be found, nor the dotted-finger tattoo pattern once used as proof of headhunting.
Among the younger generation, tattoos are increasingly being left behind. While tattoos still exist, they tend to be fewer in number or adopt more modern designs.
(Photo: Sulung Prasetyo)
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Changing Economic Motives and Travel Patterns
This shift may be linked to both travel frequency and changing economic motivations—two factors that are actually connected. Economic considerations have reduced opportunities for young people to travel far from home.
The desire to migrate (merantau) is noticeably decreasing among youths in Sei Utik. Some admit they once worked in Malaysia, but now prefer to remain in the village. The reason? Living in a neighboring country often comes with high living costs, coupled with the stress of avoiding immigration authorities. As a result, the money earned barely exceeds the expenses incurred.
Today, by managing Sei Utik’s vast rubber forests, villagers can earn a decent living. While the income may not match Malaysian wages, it is enough for a good quality of life—and it aligns with nature. This way of life also supports the village community and benefits from the well-preserved customary forest management system, which has been strictly passed down through generations.
Declining Tattoo Tradition
The decline in tattooing among the Dayak Iban is linked not only to economics but also to shifting perceptions. Some elders now discourage tattoos, concerned about negative stigma. Combined with the decreasing appeal of migrating abroad—which once inspired tattoos as marks of travel—this has led to tattoos becoming a fading tradition in the Dayak culture. (Sulung Prasetyo)
