A night to remember: Majlis Makan Malam Dayak Borneo

It was very well worth attending. Why? Because that was the night when almost a thousand Dayaks from both Malaysia and Indonesia congregated at the Majlis Makan Malam Dayak Borneo (Borneo Dayaks Dinner Gathering) held at the Dewan Suarah, Kuching (4th December 2008). The occasion was organized by Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) and it's affiliates to honor the visit of His Excellency The Governor of Kalimantan Tengah, Bapak Agustin Teras Narang, SH, and his entourage of about a hundred and fifty who came for a three day visit of Sarawak and Sabah. They came on a chartered plane. They were also accompanied by more than fifty fellow Dayaks from Kalimantan Barat who arrived by land. Never before was there a gathering of such a magnitude of Dayaks from both countries for such an occasion or any other for that matter.

No politics. To me, there were no politicians that night, just fellow brotherly Dayaks sitting under one roof to cordially enjoy food, friendly smiles, handshakes and cultural performances. There were a lot of movements while enjoying food when fellow Dayaks went to each others' tables to share their smiles, handshakes and brotherly sessions of short questions and answers.The occasion was most entertaining, even mesmerizing when cultural troupes from both sides gave their presentations. What was most wonderful (at least to my eyes and ears) was when the fellow Dayaks troupes from Kalimantan Barat and Kalimantan Tengah performed their acts, each distinctively portraying the various uniqueness of the region they come from.

Below are some pictures as seen from behind my camera for those who missed the occasion. Please click on pictures to see larger images.

The Miring. His Excellency, Bapak Agustin Teras Narang, holding the rooster, performing part of the miring, while the President of SDNU, Mr Mengga Mikui (white shirt) looks on.

His Excellency, Bapak Agustin Teras Narang (left) and the President of SDNU, Mr Mengga Mikui at the miring.

Guests waiting patiently while miring was performed by the VIPs.

The singing governor, His Excelency Bapak Agustin Teras Narang

Before airplane was ever invented, Dayaks already knew how to fly.This Flying Dayak from Kalimantan Tengah soars up in the air leaving his maidens waiting below.

A Dayak gymnast. He won a standing ovation that night.

Two one-legged Kalimantan Tengah Dayaks jumping around.

He closes his eyes before he flies.

Queen of The Peacock Throne. A beautiful Dayak lady from Kalimantan Barat showing off her beauty and elegance.

Exchange of memento between His Excellency Bapak Agustin Teras Nerang and the President of SDNU, Mr Mikui Mengga.

The beautiful triplets from Kalimantan Tengah.

These Dayak Warriors from Kalimantan Barat, having a meal with their ladies before the battle begins.

"This lady is mine for a ransom", says the male warrior dancer. Fret not, there was no head hunting or hostage taking that night. It was only a cultural show.

Playing the flute to appease the ladies.

They are not trying to chop off the head of each other or fighting over ladies or food. Just a warrior dance show.

These male Dayaks from Kalimantan Tengah with their unique headgears.

Our local Dayak beauties not to be outdone in their Dayak Bidayuh costumes.

Another three of our local Dayak beauties in their Dayak Iban costumes.

Flying one legged. There's no need to go to Malaysia by a chartered plane.

You shoot their picture, I shoot your picture. This wonderful lady and a gentleman from Kalimantan Tengah taking shots of the dancers.

The identical twin from Kalimantan Tengah attempting to take off to the air.

One for the album.The writer, (blue pants, front middle) with friends and dancers from Kalimantan Barat.

Posing with two old lost friends.

Dayaks from Sarawak, Kalimantan Tengah and Kalimantan Barat posing after the dinner ended.

For the benefit of those who are not able to attend the dinner, more images can be viewed from here.

And below are five versus of my pantun proclaimed on that memorable night.

Dari betang mencari paku,
Untuk dimasak dengan peria,
Selamat datang wahai rumpunku,
Semoga tuan rasa gembira.

Kalimantan nama diberi,
Borneo itu pulau yang sama,
Walaupun kita berlainan negeri,
Bersatupadu tonggak utama.

Dari Kal-Teng sampai ke Kal-Bar,
Tampil kemari dengan pesawat,
Kita Dayak terkenal tegar,
Bila bersatu bertambah kuat.

Singgah di pasar membeli anggur,
Untuk diperam membuat ragi,
Semoga tuan rasa terhibur,
Lain peluang datanglah lagi.

Adil Ka' Talino tekad dinyata,
Bacuramin Ka' Saruga pegangan kita,
Bila Dayak Basengat Ka' Jubata,
Semua impian menjadi nyata.