RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indoneisa's Ministry of Culture is supporting the production of a colossal film titled “Dayak” as part of efforts to strengthen cultural literacy while introducing the history and values of peace within the Dayak community to the wider public.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, during a meeting with the film’s production team in Jakarta on Monday, said that Dayak culture is an important part of the nation’s cultural wealth, carrying strong historical values and local wisdom.

“We certainly support various efforts that can advance national culture, including Dayak culture, which is very rich and interesting to be brought to the screen through film. The presence of culturally themed films is very important in strengthening Indonesia’s cultural identity,” Fadli Zon said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Monday.

On the same occasion, Head of the “Dayak” Film Production Team, Thoeseng T.T. Asang, said the film is an effort to revitalize Dayak culture while introducing the diversity of Dayak communities to a broader audience. According to him, the film will also highlight the history of peace among the Dayak people through the 1894 Tumbang Anoi Agreement.

“Through this film, we want to preserve, protect, and introduce Dayak culture with the spirit of ‘Works for the Nation, Dayak for Indonesia,’” Thoeseng said.

Meanwhile, the film’s executive producer, Abriantinus, said the production team has conducted research since 2021 involving traditional leaders and Dayak communities across Kalimantan. He explained that the film will depict the historical journey of the Dayak people through a feature-length production combining historical and fictional elements.

“We want to show that the Dayak people uphold peace and are able to live harmoniously alongside broader society,” Abriantinus stated.

Film director Ivan Baghito said bringing Dayak culture to the big screen has strong potential to enhance cultural literacy while also serving as a valuable cultural archive for future generations. According to him, growing public interest in culturally themed films has created positive momentum for the development of films based on the diverse cultures of the archipelago.

“This film is expected not only to serve as entertainment, but also to strengthen public understanding of Dayak culture in a comprehensive way,” Ivan said.

During the meeting, Fadli Zon also emphasized the importance of strengthening the screenplay so the film can have strong commercial appeal and be well received by the public. He expressed hope that the film “Dayak” would gain high appreciation while also serving as a medium for cultural education for the public and younger generations.