ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM IDAHAN DI LAHAD DATU – KEPERCAYAAN DAN PANTANG LARANG MENUAI SARANG BURUNG

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Introduction and history

The Idahan ethnic group, also known as Idaan, Ida'an, or Eraan (as referred to by the Bajau), Iraqan (as referred to by the Suluk), and Begahak (as referred to by the Dusun), is one of the indigenous minority groups in Sabah, Malaysia. They primarily inhabit areas around Lahad Datu, including Madai and Segama, and extend to the districts of Sandakan and Kinabatangan. The majority of the Idahan community practices Islam and is believed to be one of the earliest ethnic groups in Borneo to embrace Islam, dating back to as early as 1408 AD.


The Idahan people, as a minority group, have functioned as a close-knit community primarily engaged in harvesting swiftlet bird nests. For centuries, they have maintained exclusive rights to collect these nests from the "Heritage Caves," which include the limestone caves of Madai, Baturong, Pidtong, Segarong, Tepadong, Sepod Batu, and other caves located in the Darvel Bay area of Eastern Sabah.


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CUSTOMS AND TABOOS IN BIRD'S NEST HARVESTING


The practice of Mengalap, or bird's nest harvesting, can only be carried out three (3) seasons a year in the heritage caves owned by the Idahan ethnic group. These seasons are as follows:


1. Papas Season

Typically falls between April and May each year, during which bird nests are collected after the mating period of Kerok Kelempisau (swiftlets).


2. Penanggoh Season

Usually occurs between August and September, when bird nests are harvested after the swiftlet chicks have hatched and are able to fly.


3. Special Season

Any season outside those mentioned in sub-customs (a) and (b) is subject to the consensus of all inheritors. However, harvesting cannot exceed three (3) times a year.

Photo 2: Bird Nest 
Source: Risip Suhaimi

Each bird's nest harvesting season requires appointing a leader known as the "Ketua Madai" (Chief of Madai). This leader is selected either by the community of bird’s nest heirs or through an election process conducted by the Idahan Welfare Association for Madai Heirs (PEWARIS), with approval from the Council of Bird's Nest Customs of the Idahan Ethnic Group. Once appointed, the position must be endorsed and validated by the Native Court. The appointment and termination of the Ketua Madai are overseen by the three aforementioned bodies to ensure transparency and uphold the authority of the Ketua Madai.

All heirs who hold shares, known as Tak Batu, in the heritage caves must adhere to the customs governing bird's nest harvesting. In the event of any disputes regarding inheritance rights to the bird's nests, these issues must first be referred to the Ketua Madai, senior Idahan elders who serve as consultants, as well as the Customary Council and the Native Court, before any further action is taken. Typically, disputes arise from the customs and taboos that apply within the Heritage Caves. Certain behavioural taboos are enforced inside the caves to ensure orderliness during harvesting. Work must be done silently, and conversation is limited to essential matters only.
The Idahan community holds a belief in supernatural powers and the spirits of their ancestors. For instance, the caves where the Madai birds build their nests were historically used as burial sites, and several coffins can still be found there. Although the caves are no longer utilised for this purpose, the area is still considered sacred and deserves to be treated with respect. The taboos associated with the caves honour the spirits of their ancestors, who are believed to be the guardians of these sites. Before converting to Islam, community members offered turmeric rice, white chickens, ceramic jars, and goats in rituals to their ancestors' spirits.

Upon entering the caves, the Tukong, or head harvester, requests permission from the spirits of their ancestors. They acknowledge that they are the descendants of these spirits and ask not to be disturbed during the harvesting process. Additionally, wearing a Tegawih or Serawang, a large headgear made from pandan leaves, is forbidden while inside the cave.

If any unusual signs or occurrences are noticed, harvesting is paused to avoid potential danger. Sneezing upon entering the cave is considered a bad omen, and the individual must turn back and refrain from harvesting for that day. Conversations inside the cave must use layered meanings or specific terms. For example, the word "tomorrow" is replaced with "the day after tomorrow," and the phrase "going home" is substituted with "going up to bubun derain," which is a symbolic term.

The mourning period for bird nest harvesting in the event of a death is two days. If an accident occurs in the cave, such as someone falling from the cave roof, all harvesting activities in the area are suspended for three days. Additionally, harvesters are only permitted to collect bird nests while inside the cave. Other items, including "Tai Kelempisau" (swiftlet droppings), which have a high market value, are strictly prohibited from being touched or removed. Furthermore, the community surrounding the Madai Caves does not keep cats, as they are natural predators of birds, especially during the nesting season.

It is essential to strictly adhere to taboos and prohibitions to maintain harmony between harvesters and the supernatural forces that inhabit the caves. Non-heirs and unauthorised individuals are not allowed to enter the heritage caves without the Chief of Madai's appointed executive authority's permission. However, suppose a person, not an heir marries a male or female heir, a term known as "Perikit Gunai Ulun Kito" (which signifies familial inclusion). In that case, they are permitted to enter the caves. Nonetheless, they must still follow all customary laws and taboos.

The Idahan community continues to observe customary practices and taboos as essential to safeguarding their well-being. This system of heritage not only reflects unique local wisdom but symbolises the identity and distinctiveness of Idahan cultural traditions. By preserving these customs, the community ensures the sustainability of natural resources fundamental to their economic and social lives, strengthens communal ties, and maintains traditions for future generations.

Figures and Achievements

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Reference Source

Abdul Karim Hj. Dakog & Jusman Aman Setia. (2003). Adat-Adat Pemungutan Sa-Rang Bijrung Warisan Suku Kaum Idahan (Ida’an.). Lembaga Kebudayaan Negeri Sabah.

Editor KR. (2022, September 6). Misteri Jelmaan Wanita di Gua Madai Sabah - TawauKini. TawauKini. Diambil daripada 

https://www.tawaukini.com.my/2022/01/misteri-jelmaan-wanita-di-gua-madai-sabah.html 


Jusman Aman Setia (2012). Ida’an. Dalam Kntayya Mariappan. (Ed). Siri etnik Sabah ITBM-UMS: MURUT dan pelbagai etnik lain di sabah. Institut Terjemahan Buku Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.


Onga, R. (2024). Sejarah Pemilikan dan Pewarisan Sarang Burung di Sabah:: Tradisi dan Tribulasi. Jurnal Kepulauan, 1(04), 23-23.


Rahman, S. B. A. Sistem Pentadbiran Tradisional Yang Terdapat Di Sabah. Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, 20, 13-74.


Location

Informant/Figure/Editor/Researcher
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State JKKN Contact Information

Encik Hassanal Redzuan

Cultural Officer

Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Sabah
Kompleks JKKN Sabah, Jalan Tasik off KM4 Jalan Penampang, 88200 Kota Kinabalu SABAH

088-205070

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