Palangkaraya is deserted, as quiet as the current of the Kahayan river which divides the town. Just a few vehicles travel the road from Tjilik Riwut Airport to the town center. The most striking thing on the road are the red ribbons. They are everywhere.

There are red ribbons tied to car mirrors, around the heads of motorbike riders or to the electric lamp poles. "The red ribbons are the symbol of the Dayaks," explained Ranan Baut, a traditional D