Who are the Tawoyan?

The Tawoyan people (also called Tabojan, Tabuyan, or Taboyan) live mainly in areas of the North Barito Regency of the Central Kalimantan Province. Those who live in Gunung Timang District are found along the banks of the Montalat River while those in Gunung Pure reside along the Benagin River. These rivers are considered the children of the Barito River. The rest of the Tawoyan live in the Teweh Timur and in the cities of Muara Teweh, Banjarmasin, and Palangkaraya. Legend has it that the ancestors of the Tawoyan in ancient times were Bawo people from the Angah Mountains.

The people speak the Tawoyan language. There are only a few places with differing accents. The Tawoyan people who live at Gunung Timang speak the language more slowly in a relaxed manner. Those living in Teweh Timur, by contrast, speak more quickly.

What are their lives like?

Almost all of the Tawoyan are involved in tapping rubber trees. They also grow rice and harvest rattan vines. Farmers will cultivate fields until the land is depleted and then move to new fields. Also swallow nests are gathered and sold for birds nest soup. To add to family income, the women and children above 10 years of age typically weave different products for sale.

Common transport for traveling to district capitals is a small motorboat. The area government is developing roads, but during the rainy season, public transportation is only available once a week on market day.

Trade and business is almost completely dominated by newcomers from the Banjar and Bakumpai people groups. The Tawoyan from Gunung Pure have not even developed a market system yet. Therefore, it is no surprise that there is not a single market in the area.

The Tawoyan people do not practice polygamy. The husband is the head of the household, but the opinions of the wife are not to be neglected. There is freedom for women to express their opinion. Both husband and wife have the right to work outside of the home.

What do they believe?

Most Tawoyan people follow Kaharingan beliefs. They are obligated to offer food to the spirits of departed ancestors in a ceremony called warah. A cave in the Angah Mountain was designated as a place of ascetic meditation by the Sultan Mangkusari. According to their beliefs, some things which possess special magical powers are Air Silo, a special sacred water and Pupur Silo, a face powder made of finely ground rock sold as a cosmetic that has the power to attract men to women.

What are their needs?

The need for teachers and educational facilities has been met only at a bare minimum. While almost all villages have an elementary school, if anyone wishes to study through high school, they must travel to a larger city. Other needs include reliable transportation that can increase trade and mobility for all residents.