Religion Realm

The Dayak people in the southern Meratus mountains speak the Dayak Meratus language which is also a Malay language, like the Banjar language. In prehistoric times, long before humans knew how to write, humans had beliefs that were animistic and dynamic. What is meant by animism and dynamism? Animism is a belief in spirits that inhabit all objects. The spirit has supernatural powers called mana. The spirit/soul in humans is called jiwa. However, if a human dies, the spirit leaves the body forever. The spirit that leaves the human body forever is called arwah. Therefore, they are respected, as are our ancestors. Thus, a belief arose that worships the spirits of ancestors. According to animism, spirits live in the spirit world on the mountain. Usually, so that the relationship with the spirits of ancestors is well maintained, statues of ancestors are made for worship.

Indonesia is an archipelago with diverse customs, cultures, languages ​​& ethnic groups. While the Dayak tribe of the Lawangan group who speak the East Barito language and inhabit the northern region of the Meratus mountains speak the Dayak Maanyan Warukin language, Dayak Dusun Halong, Dayak Samihin, Dayak Deah / Dusun Deyah, Dayak Lawangan & Dayak Abal. Lawangan means an open gate.  The word comes from the word hole, which indicates that the ancestors of the Dayak Lawangan people used to live in a cave at the foot of a mountain called Mount Luang. This suggests that the ancestors of the Lawangan people used to live in a cave at the foot of a mountain called Mount Luang. This name was used in the 13th century during the Hindu Kingdom.  According to the Dayak Ngaju people, Kaharingan existed for thousands of years before the arrival of major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam & Christianity. Kabaringan people believe the natural surroundings are alive and f...