The history of Dayak customary law in Central Kalimantan during the early 20th century reflects a complex interplay between indigenous traditions and external influences. Rooted in ancestral wisdom, Dayak customary law, or adat, regulated various aspects of life, including conflict resolution, land use, marriage, and social obligations. These laws were deeply tied to spiritual beliefs and collective values, promoting harmony within the community. The early 20th century spans the period from the aftermath of the 1894 Tumbang Anoi Peace Agreement to the collapse of the Dutch East Indies colonial government in Indonesia in 1942. The phase marked a period of significant transformation, driven by the expansion of Dutch colonial administration and missionary activities. Colonial policies sought to standardize governance, often clashing with indigenous practices. Simultaneously, missionary efforts introduced new religious and moral frameworks that subtly influenced the adat. Despite these pressures, the Dayak communities exhibited resilience, adapting and negotiating their customary laws to preserve their cultural identity. The historical reconstruction of this phase also emphasizes the oral history approach, which captures the lived experiences, narratives, and collective memories of the Dayak people that are alive and sustainable to this day. Custom, rooted in ancestral traditions, regulates various aspects of life, including land use, social order, conflict resolution, and spiritual practices. This historical evolution highlights the dynamic nature of Dayak customary law, illustrating its ability to integrate external changes while maintaining its core principles. Studying this period offers insights into the interaction between indigenous systems and colonial modernity, as well as the enduring relevance of adat in contemporary legal and cultural discourses.

 

Keywords:

Dayak customary law, Central Kalimantan, adat, indigenous traditions, colonial influence, cultural resilience