Dayak Ngaju, a tribe who live in the Katingan watershed area Central Kalimantan, have a traditional alcoholic drink called baram. Baram (made from rice, yeast, various types of spices and sugar) playing important role on Dayak Ngaju culture. Sacredly, baram is used as a complement to the Kaharingan religious ritual such as basarah, napesan, and tiwah. Baram in the sacred context is made by mutual cooperation (handep) by the community and will be prayed for by the Kaharingan religious figure called pisur.

Although it is still controversial because it is considered the culprit and the source of social problems, according to some sources, baram is considered part of the Dayak tribe culture and is already mentioned in the Panaturan (Kaharingan religious scriptures), although not explicitly. Because of that, baram is also known as the beverage of the spirits.

This paper will describe about position and role of the sacred baram in the Dayak Ngaju culture. Especially the Dayak Ngaju tribe who live in the Katingan watershed, or commonly called the Katingan people.

Keywords        : Baram, Alcohol, Dayak, Kaharingan, Culture