They are distributed across several districts, including Kota Bangun, Melak, Barong Tongkok, Kembang Janggut, Kenohan, and Muara Pahu. The Tunjung are divided into subgroups: Tunjung Bubut, Tunjung Asli, Tunjung Bahau, Tunjung Hilir, Tunjung Lonokng, Tunjung Linggang, and Tunjung Berambai.[2]
The alternative name Tonyoi-Benuaq refers to the Tunjung-Benuaq. These two Dayak groups are closely connected socially and culturally, although they are sometimes mentioned separately.
The relationship between the Tunjung and Kutai people is comparable to the relationship between the Baduy and Bantenese: the Kutai and Bantenese people are almost entirely Muslim, whereas the Tunjung and Baduy tribes still incorporate indigenous beliefs.
There is no written record about the origin of Dayak Tunjung. Oral tradition relates that the Tunjung descended from deities who became humans to restore a broken world, known as Jaruk’ng Tempuq. Their original name, Tonyooi, reflects their ancestral hero role as protective deities. The term tunjung in the Tunjung language means "going home" or "going towards the river source".
Most Tunjung are Christian, with a minority practicing Islam. Ancestor spirits are still honored for protection and prosperity, mediated by shamans (beliatn). The influence of Islam is minimal; for example, the name of the supreme deity, Laraia, derives from Allah (ta'ala) but is used differently in rituals.[3][unreliable source?]
Livelihood
The Tunjung primarily practice agriculture, often shifting cultivation, with rice as the main crop. They also grow secondary crops such as corn, cassava, sweet potato, legumes, vegetables, and perennial trees like coconut, durian, rambutan, cempedak, and langsat. Supplementary activities include fishing with traditional traps, hunting, and harvesting forest products like rattan, resin, tengkawang wood, and bird nests.[4]
Currently, several associations unite the sub-ethnic groups, such as Sempekat Tonyoi Benuaq (STB), a member of East Kalimantan Dayak Association (PDKT). Other organizations include Sempekat Tonyooi Sekolaq and TBBR (Pasukan Merah TBBR), which focus on preserving Dayak customs and culture across Kalimantan, Sarawak, and Brunei Darussalam.
Tunjung Berambai: Muara Pahu, Abit, Selais, Muara Jawaq, Kota Bangun, Enggelam, Lamin Telihan, Malong, Pelay, Kembang Janggut, Kelekat, Buaq, Pulau Pinang, Teluk Bingkai, Lamin Pulut, Bukit Layang
The Tunjung follow bilateral kinship principles, tracing both paternal and maternal lines. Kinship groups are organized into purus (blood or marriage ties). Villages evolved from longhouses (luu), with social stratification historically marked as hajiiq (royalty), mantiiq (guards and subordinates), erentikaaq (commoners), and ripatn (servants).
Tunjung villages are genealogically unified. Traditional songs include bedoneq, sung without instruments at festivities. Dances include: tari jepen[id], jepen tali, and jepen sidabil. Musical instruments include klenrangan, a gong-based ensemble, originally made of wood, later metal. Artistic works include small charms and large ceremonial statues up to four meters tall.
↑ Melalatoa, Junus (1995). Ensiklopedi Suku Bangsa Di Indonesia[Encyclopedia of Ethnic Groups in Indonesia] (in Indonesian). CV. EKA PUTRA. p.898. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
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Indonesia (Kutai Kartanegara Regency and West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan)
98% Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism)
2% Islam