What is it about?
This study explores how Indigenous Dayak people in East Kalimantan experience health and healthcare in their daily lives. Through conversations and storytelling with community members and local health workers, it shows that health is shaped by both traditional practices—such as herbal medicine and spiritual beliefs—and modern healthcare services. However, many people face challenges accessing care due to remote locations, limited facilities, and lack of health information. The research highlights the importance of listening to local voices, as communities have deep knowledge of their own needs and concerns. By including these perspectives, health systems can become more culturally relevant, accessible, and effective. The study calls for closer collaboration between communities, health workers, and policymakers to design better health services for the future.
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Photo by Yosafat Gusti on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Centers Dayak voices through storytelling to reveal real health experiences. Timely as health systems seek more inclusive design, it shows how local knowledge can shape culturally relevant, accessible care for remote communities.
Perspectives
Working closely with Dayak communities, I sought to listen rather than impose design ideas. Their stories challenged my assumptions and reshaped how I understand health systems. This work reflects my commitment to valuing local knowledge and designing with, not for, communities.
Dr Juhri Selamet
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Amplifying local Dayak voices for designing Indigenous health systems in East Kalimantan, Design for Health, May 2024, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/24735132.2024.2436284.
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