Bidayuh

The Bidayuh are an indigenous ethnic group of Borneo, concentrated in the Malaysian state of Sarawak with smaller communities in neighboring Indonesian Kalimantan. They are one of the Dayak peoples and are commonly referred to as the Land Dayaks, in contrast to other Dayak groups often labeled Sea Dayaks. The name Bidayuh is widely understood as reflecting a connection to the land and traditional homeland.

Language and society

The Bidayuh languages comprise a cluster of related Austronesian languages spoken by communities across Sarawak and border areas of Kalimantan. Dialects vary by region and subgroup, and many Bidayuh people are bilingual, using Malay or Indonesian as a lingua franca alongside their ancestral languages. Social life traditionally centers on longhouses and kinship networks, with adat (customary law) guiding land tenure, marriage, and community relations.

Culture and economy

Historically, Bidayuh communities inhabited hillside and riverine landscapes, practicing swidden agriculture alongside other subsistence crops. While farming remains important, contemporary livelihoods include forestry, agriculture, and urban employment. Traditional crafts such as weaving and beadwork are noted for their patterns and symbolic meanings. The Gawai Dayak harvest festival, celebrated widely in Sarawak, serves as a major cultural event featuring music, dance, and feasting and helps promote intergenerational transmission of customs.

Religion and identity

Christianity—primarily Catholic and Protestant denominations—is widespread due to missionary activity in the colonial and post-colonial periods, though some communities maintain traditional beliefs and rituals. Bidayuh identity is closely tied to language, traditional practices, and communal celebrations, which continue to play a central role in social life.

Distribution and status

In Malaysia, the Bidayuh constitute one of Sarawak’s larger indigenous groups, with smaller populations in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Ongoing efforts focus on language preservation, cultural revival, and education to sustain heritage in a modern state.