By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 27: The Sarawak Museum Department has stepped in to clarify the historical status of Batu Tanam Demong in Ulu Krian, Saratok, following a viral social media post that questioned the accuracy of information displayed at the heritage site.
The controversy was triggered by a Facebook post linked to a Malay-language newspaper report dated Feb 22, which alleged that the monument’s description contained misleading historical claims and called for corrections to reflect authentic local history.
In a media statement today, the department confirmed that Batu Tanam Demong was officially gazetted on March 21, 2022 under the Sarawak Heritage Ordinance 2019.
To address the issue, the department said it had contacted the social media account owner involved and convened a meeting with the Tuai Rumah and the local community in Ulu Krian on Feb 26 to discuss concerns and resolve misunderstandings over the monument’s historical narrative.
“The department appreciates the public’s vigilance in safeguarding Sarawak’s heritage and remains committed to ensuring that only verified and accurate information is disseminated,” it said.
It also pledged to strengthen its internal fact-checking and coordination processes to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
On Feb 22, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) senior vice president Chambai Lindong, through his Facebook account, shared an excerpt from The Sea Dayaks of Borneo before White Rajah Rule by Benedict Sandin, former Curator of the Sarawak Museum, to challenge the official interpretation of Batu Tanam Demong.
The post explained that Batu Tanam Demong was erected by a historical figure named Demong as a boundary marker to divide inheritance land between the children of his Iban wife and those of his Bukitan wife. According to the account, the stone symbolised a customary agreement governing land ownership between the two groups and continues to be respected to this day.
Chambai argued that the stone had no connection to the Betong boundary (Sempadan Betong) and accused the department of misrepresenting its purpose through incorrect signage.
“The origin, history, purpose and significance of Batu Tanam Demong are clearly recorded. This stone has nothing to do with Sempadan Betong,” he said, calling for a new signboard with the correct historical account to be installed.
He also warned against altering or creating what he described as “fiction as historical fact”, urging the authorities to respect documented history and indigenous oral tradition. — DayakDaily
