The local cultures of West Kalimantan
Tomi Simatupang, a name that rings a bell for a person who came from North Sumatra. In this review, we won’t only focus on Sumatran music, but also on the traditional moral values of West Kalimantan. That is the work of Tomy et al. who are trying to raise the ancestral cultural heritage of the Iban Dayak Tribe.
Besides Tomi, the musicians who worked on this album are Akbar Wicaksono (bassist), Sebastian Maschat (drummer), Bonang (guitarist), Eko Susilo (guitarist), Alexander (guitarist), Teguh Jess (guitarist), Felix Ivan Thambun (Sape player) and Wukir Suryadi who was taking care of the Sound Scape.
Tanah to Indai Kitae is the title of this album which contains 9 songs in 3 languages, such as Indonesian, Iban, and English. This MMI collection CD, which was released in 2013, was a donation from Siwo Suprastowo in 2018, a friend of music lovers from Tangerang.
This album was the result of the collaboration of many artists from Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan. Ade Tanasia Panjaitan (Sumatra) played a role in providing vocals. Wukir Suryadi (Java) made five compositions known as “sound scape”. Felix Ivan Thambun played the sape, a traditional instrument from Borneo, in the song “Kayu Burung”. Apai Janggut Tuai Rumah Panjai Sungai Utik (Kalimantan) performed with the sound of singing and “advice” of the Iban Dayak traditions which were full of local wisdom.
There are nine songs with the main theme of love for the homeland. Exploration of forests that were converted into oil palm plantations is one example of how natural destruction occurs in West Kalimantan.
The important value to be conveyed on this album is that music is a tool that is capable of transforming a sense of caring, the empathy to build a collective movement in defending the natural resources provided by God. Don't do mischief on the earth, that was the message.
Therefore, where is the traditional element of this album? The songs are new songs arranged by musicians who are still relatively young. The album was also published in 2013 on Compact Disc. The traditional musical instrument of Borneo, Sape, is one of the components of the tradition. The sound scape by Wukir Suryadi, which was produced from the exploration of his own instruments, sounds more dominant. Besides being a musician, Wukir is also a music instruments maker, mostly inspired by agricultural tools. The main ingredients of the instrument are bamboo or wood, which is equipped with several additional materials.
This album is not just all about music rhythm. There are philosophical teachings adopted by the Iban Dayak tribe in Sungai Utik, West Kalimantan which adhere to the principle that "Our Land is the Capital". This is reflected in their customary law which contains a farming order that is full of local wisdom to maintain the harmony of human life with nature. The songs and advice conveyed in the Dayak Iban language are what make this album an important value in elevating the traditions rooted in the Iban Dayak tribe. We can learn about the relationship between nature, humans, and spirituality within the cultural framework inherited by the Iban Dayak community.
