Keling and Kumang the cows? Dayak group demands answers from Sarawak Agrofest organisers

The Dayak Native Initiative (Dani) has criticized the use of the names Keling and Kumang for cattle at Sarawak Agrofest, deeming it insensitive to Iban cultural heritage.

These names hold significant cultural and spiritual value in Iban folklore, and their use for livestock has offended the community.

Dani has called on event organizers to publicly explain the naming decision, issue an apology, and consult Iban leaders on culturally significant matters in the future.

They emphasized the importance of respecting all communities' dignity within Sarawak.

MIRI, Oct 4 — Dayak Native Initiative (Dani) has criticised the use of the names Keling and Kumang for two cattle featured at the Sarawak Agrofest, saying the choice was insensitive to Iban customs and heritage.

In a statement, Dani said images of information boards identifying the cattle by the names had been circulating online, prompting concern among members of the Iban community.

The group said Keling and Kumang were highly respected figures in Iban folklore and tradition, with the names carrying deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Iban people.

“Using them for livestock at an exhibition has offended our community, whether it was done deliberately or through a lack of understanding,” it said.

Dani called on the Sarawak Agrofest organisers and those responsible for the display to explain publicly how the names were selected and approved.

It also urged the organisers to change the names immediately if the information boards remained on display and issue an apology to the Iban community.

The group further called on event organisers to consult Iban community leaders and the Council for Native Customs and Traditions when using names or symbols with cultural significance at public events.

“Names and symbols that hold deep meaning for a community should be carefully reviewed before they are used at public events,” it said.

Dani also urged the relevant customary authorities to examine whether the incident constituted a breach of adat and, if so, determine the appropriate course of action through the proper channels.

It stressed that any finding of a breach or imposition of customary sanctions should be made by the authority with jurisdiction.

Dani said Sarawak was a shared home for many communities and that respect for different cultures should be reflected in actions, including matters that might otherwise be regarded as minor.

“Respect Iban culture. Uphold the dignity of every community in Sarawak,” it said. — The Borneo Post

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达雅族原住民倡议组织（Dani）批评砂拉越农业节使用“Keling”和“Kumang”这两个名字来称呼牛，认为这是对伊班族文化遗产的不尊重。

这些名字在伊班族民间传说中具有重要的文化和精神价值，将它们用于牲畜名称冒犯了该族群。

丹妮呼吁活动组织者公开解释命名决定，发表道歉声明，并在未来就具有文化意义的问题咨询伊班族领导人的意见。

他们强调了尊重砂拉越境内所有社区尊严的重要性。

美里，10 月 4 日讯——达雅族原住民倡议组织（Dani）批评砂拉越农业节上展出的两头牛分别被命名为“Keling”和“Kumang”，称此举对伊班族的习俗和传统缺乏尊重。

丹尼在一份声明中表示，网上流传着标明牛只名称的信息牌照片，这引起了伊班族社区成员的担忧。

该组织表示，克林和库芒是伊班族民间传说和传统中备受尊敬的人物，他们的名字对许多伊班族人来说具有深刻的文化和精神意义。

“无论是故意为之还是由于缺乏了解，在展览会上将它们用作牲畜的做法都冒犯了我们的社区，”声明中写道。

丹妮呼吁砂拉越农业节的组织者和展览负责人公开解释这些名称是如何被选择和批准的。

它还敦促组织者，如果信息牌继续展出，则立即更改名称，并向伊班族社区道歉。

该组织还呼吁活动组织者在公共活动中使用具有文化意义的名称或符号时，咨询伊班族社区领袖和土著习俗与传统委员会。

声明称：“对于具有深远社区意义的名称和符号，在使用于公共活动之前，应仔细审查。”

丹尼还敦促相关习惯法权威机构审查该事件是否构成违反习俗的行为，如果构成，则通过适当渠道确定适当的处理方式。

它强调，任何关于违反习惯法的认定或实施习惯制裁都应由有管辖权的机构作出。

丹妮表示，砂拉越是许多社群的共同家园，对不同文化的尊重应该体现在行动中，包括一些可能被认为是次要的事情。

“尊重伊班族文化。维护砂拉越每个族群的尊严。”声明中写道。——《婆罗洲邮报》

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