 |
| Elias Yesaya (right, seated) leads a bamboo-based musical performance, featuring a traditional instrument called the keng. Documentation: the author. |
Compiled by: Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.
Date : June 04, 2025
Abstract
This study explores keng, a traditional percussion instrument of the Lundayeh Dayak people in the Krayan Highlands of North Kalimantan. Originating from the sound of bamboo striking the earth, keng is more than a musical instrument, it is a cultural artifact that reflects the Lundayeh worldview of living in harmony with nature. This report delves into the origins, construction techniques, and cultural significance of the keng, as well as its role in sustaining Lundayeh identity amid modernization.
Data were collected through interviews, field observations, and secondary source analysis, including documentation from the Batu Ruyud Writing Camp held on November 3, 2022. Findings suggest that the keng serves not only as a musical tool but also as a symbol of cultural resilience and a spiritual connection to both ancestors and nature.
1. Introduction
The Dayak people, comprising roughly 600 sub-ethnic groups in Borneo [2], have a deep and enduring relationship with the natural world, as evidenced in their culture, traditions, and art. One such sub-ethnic group, the Lundayeh, also known as Lun Bawang in Malaysia and Brunei, inhabit the Krayan Highlands, a remote region in North Kalimantan situated at elevations ranging from 760 to 1,200 meters above sea level [3].
In this highland region, music plays an integral role in cultural identity, with the keng standing out as a unique traditional instrument. This study aims to document the origins, craftsmanship, and cultural meaning of the keng, as well as its role in preserving Lundayeh cultural heritage.
2. Background
2.1 The Krayan Highlands and the Lundayeh People
The Krayan Highlands, located in the Nunukan Regency of North Kalimantan, form part of the Heart of Borneo conservation initiative, a trilateral rainforest preservation effort by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei [3]. This area is home to the Lundayeh, renowned as swidden rice farmers and water buffalo herders, with an agroecological system that sustainably integrates farming and livestock [5]. Alongside related groups such as the Kelabit and Sa’ban, the Lundayeh possess a rich cultural repertoire, including wood carving, rattan weaving, and traditional music [4].
According to oral history, the Lundayeh are part of the Apo Duat peoples, believed to share common ancestry with the Kelabit, who migrated from the Malinau lowlands to the Krayan highlands due to Muslim raider incursions in the 17th century [7]. While most Lundayeh have embraced Christianity since the arrival of missionaries in the early 20th century, customary traditions remain a vital component of their cultural identity [6].
2.2 Keng: Origins and Philosophy
The keng is a simple percussion instrument made from bamboo. According to Elias Yesaya, an artist and cultural custodian from Krayan, the keng originates from the sound produced when bamboo falls to the ground, creating a distinctive tone: keeeeng. This innovation stemmed from the intuitive observations of Lundayeh ancestors, who adapted a forked bamboo pole initially used for fruit gathering. The playing technique involves striking the bamboo against the wrist bone, producing a clear, resonant tone.
The philosophy behind the keng reflects the Lundayeh belief that music is not solely a human creation but something discovered in nature in the sound of the wind, footsteps, or falling bamboo. For the Lundayeh, music is rhythm and structure, not merely decoration [1]. The keng serves as a symbol of spiritual connection with both nature and ancestors, linking current generations to their ancestral legacy.
3. Methodology
This study adopts a qualitative approach using the following data collection methods:
-
Interviews: Semi-structured interviews with Elias Yesaya, a Lundayeh artist, to understand the origins and meaning of the keng.
-
Field Observation: Documentation of keng performances during the Batu Ruyud Writing Camp on November 3, 2022, in the Krayan Highlands.
-
Secondary Analysis: Literature review of credible sources, including academic articles and media reports, to enrich the cultural and historical context of the Lundayeh.
Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns in cultural meanings and the keng's role in Lundayeh community life.
Read Research report: Enhancing the Human Development Index (HDI) in Sekadau Regency
4. Findings and Discussion
4.1 Construction and Playing Techniques
Kengs are crafted from locally sourced bamboo, prized for its strength and flexibility, found in the Krayan forests. The process involves cutting the bamboo to a specific length and trimming the forked end to optimize resonance. Though the playing technique appears simple, it requires sensitivity—the bamboo is struck against the wrist bone, utilizing the bony protrusion to create a sharp, resonant pitch.
4.2 The Role of Keng in Lundayeh Culture
The keng is more than a musical instrument—it is a cultural artifact laden with meaning. In traditional ceremonies, it often accompanies dances like Lengilo, which narrate everyday Lundayeh life [4]. During the 2022 Batu Ruyud Writing Camp, the keng was used to accompany Idan Idan, a local adaptation of the popular Indonesian song Kapan-Kapan by Koes Plus. This impromptu, unrehearsed performance illustrated the spontaneous and communal nature of Lundayeh music, which prioritizes rhythm and collective harmony.
4.3 Social Context and Modernization
Although the Lundayeh have largely converted to Christianity, customary practices such as the use of the keng endure as markers of cultural identity [6]. However, modernization and globalization pose significant challenges, including the erosion of traditional knowledge among younger generations. Initiatives like the Cultural Field School near Terang Baru village, supported by Formadat and WWF-Indonesia, aim to preserve Lundayeh music and dance traditions, including the keng [4].
4.4 Cultural Impact and Dissemination
The viral success of the Idan Idan performance at the Batu Ruyud Writing Camp on social media highlights the potential of Lundayeh music to reach global audiences. Its appeal lies not in technical perfection, but in its authenticity and emotional depth. In its simplicity, the keng acts as a bridge between tradition and modernity, reconnecting younger generations with their ancestral roots.
Read Revitalization and Transformation of the Dayak Indigenous Religion in the Modern Era
5. Conclusion
The keng is more than a musical instrument—it is an ancestral echo that embodies the Lundayeh people's deep relationship with nature. With its humble yet meaningful origins, the keng illustrates how music can be found in the rhythms of everyday life. In the contemporary era, the keng serves as a symbol of cultural endurance, linking the past to the present. Cultural events and community-driven initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring this heritage remains alive for future generations.
6. Recommendations
-
Enhance documentation and education about the keng through school-based training programs and local cultural centers.
-
Integrate the keng into regional and international cultural festivals to increase global awareness.
-
Support further research on other traditional musical instruments from Krayan to deepen understanding of Dayak musical heritage.
References
[1] Borneo Travel. (2025). Keng: Ancestral Echoes from Borneo’s Sky Plateau. Retrieved from Borneo Travel website, May 30, 2025.
[2] Dayak Today. (2025). The Dayak Ethnic Group Is Not From Anywhere, but Is Indigenous to Borneo. www.dayaktoday.com
[3] KajoMag. (2019). 10 Reasons You Should Visit Krayan Highlands in the Heart of Borneo. www.kajomag.com
[4] KajoMag. (2019). Perupun, the Mysterious Lundayeh Ancient Burial Tombs of Krayan Highlands. www.kajomag.com
[5] Slow Food. (2019). Rice, Salt, and Indigenous Food Biodiversity in the Krayan Highlands. www.slowfood.com
[6] Garland Magazine. (2017). Bridewealth of the Dayak Lundayeh. www.garlandmag.com
[7] Wikipedia. (2007). Lun Bawang. en.wikipedia.org
Posting Komentar