The Iban people have long cherished the joys of socializing and fostering deep communal bonds. It is an intrinsic part of their daily lives, woven into the very fabric of their culture.
In an Iban community, no individual is an island. Each person is expected to be amicable, cultivate close ties with family members and neighbours, and share responsibilities for the betterment of everyone.
The strength of the community lies in its collective spirit — collaborating on projects and tasks that benefit all to ensure mutual well-being and harmony.
To me, the essence of this unity is most powerfully demonstrated during celebrations, social gatherings, communal work parties, and acts of mutual assistance.
These traditions have not only sustained but also strengthened the unity and harmony among the Iban, particularly for those living in longhouses. Hosting more social gatherings and shared labour events only fortify the bonds of the tightly knit community.
In our longhouse of Kedap, nestled in Melupa, Krian, and Saratok, this spirit of togetherness thrives under the leadership of Tuai Rumah Robert Lin Malina.
At 70 years old, Lin — my nephew and former classmate — has upheld these values with great dedication. He firmly believes in the power of communal work, particularly through the practice of ‘beduruk’, or mutual assistance, in agricultural activities.
This system thrives in the longhouse tradition, where households take turns hosting farm work, such as hill paddy planting.
The cycle begins with ‘nebas’ (land clearing), followed by ‘nebang’ (tree-felling), and continues with ‘nugal” (planting), ‘mantun’ (weeding), and finally ‘ngetau’ (harvesting).
When many households come together to share the labour, each task is completed more efficiently, fostering camaraderie and mutual reliance.
Although shifting cultivation and wet paddy planting have become less common, ‘beduruk’ has evolved to focus on oil palm and pepper planting.
With SALCRA (Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority) as the principal player in oil palm plantations, many from Kedap have become smallholders.
They actively participate in communal efforts tied to oil palm cultivation, from planting to harvesting, continuing the tradition of shared labour in new agricultural contexts.
Beyond farming, Tuai Rumah Lin ensures that every family in Kedap contributes to other communal activities. For instance, during the fruiting season, the entire longhouse community works together to harvest fruits.
Nearly ripe durians, along with other fruits like rambutan, dabai, and mangosteen, are plucked and shared among the community.
These excursions, often full-day adventures, involve jungle trekking, packed lunches, and a shared sense of joy in nature’s bounty.
When I was younger, these fruit-harvesting trips were some of my most memorable and cherished experiences.
Celebrations and significant events also serve as opportunities for unity. Weddings, funerals, and festivals like Gawai Dayak bring the entire longhouse together, with every household contributing in various ways.
The annual Gawai Dayak festival celebrated on June 1 and 2, is a highlight of the year, especially its vibrant eve on May 31.
Festivities often begin as early as May 30, featuring activities like badminton tournaments, tug-of-war competitions, and ‘nyumpit’ (blowpipe) contests. These events showcase the community’s energy and enthusiasm.
At times, neighbouring communities are invited to join, especially in competitions like tug-of-war, further strengthening ties beyond Kedap.
One of the community’s favourite traditions during Gawai is the ‘Kumang Gawai’ beauty pageant and fancy dress contests, held on Gawai Eve.
The pageant, an annual highlight, is supported by generous sponsors who provide prizes, adding a touch of glamour to the festivities.
These events, infused with laughter and excitement, are a celebration of the community’s cultural pride and unity.
Fishing also plays a role in fostering communal bonds. Group fishing excursions, often held on Sundays, bring men and women together.
Women use their woven ‘pemansai’ baskets in smaller streams, while men opt for net casting and spear-fishing along the Melupa River. These outings are as much about camaraderie as they are about catching fish.
Occasionally, the river’s red-eyed crocodiles appeared, reminding everyone of the untamed beauty of the environment. Yet, through the years, the community has managed to stay safe.
This Christmas season has brought even more opportunities for togetherness. Last Sunday, Kedap hosted a joyous carolling session, with friends from St Christopher Debak joining the celebration.
As a Lay Reader, Lin led the prayers and carols, which were sung in both Iban and English.
Each family that hosted the carollers warmly welcomed them with drinks, pancakes, and cookies, turning the event into a festive and heartwarming display of unity.
My brother Edward Jelani, now 82, shared updates about the session via WhatsApp, though he didn’t include any photos — a small, modern reminder of how traditions and technology intertwine.
Lin, a dedicated leader and administrator, has always prioritised the community’s welfare. He is ably supported by his cousin, Dennis Wilson Jiram, and other professionals from Kedap, including Betong Resident Richard Michael Abunawas, engineers, a medical doctor, and educators. Together, they ensure that the longhouse remains a harmonious and thriving place.
Kedap is also proud to be the birthplace of Datuk Musa Giri, the first individual from the community to be honoured with a datukship.
These accomplished individuals lend their expertise and guidance, ensuring that the longhouse continues to flourish.
The Women’s Bureau, led by Mrs Lin, plays an equally vital role in fostering this sense of community.
When occasions such as weddings or funerals arise, the bureau organises centralized cooking in a dedicated building near the longhouse.
This not only eases the burden on the families involved but also strengthens communal ties through shared effort and goodwill.
As Christmas approaches, the air in Kedap is filled with anticipation and joy. The community looks forward to more celebrations, gatherings, and shared moments of happiness.
It is this spirit of togetherness, deeply rooted in tradition and strengthened by modern adaptations, that ensures Kedap remains a beacon of unity and harmony.
May this enduring bond continue to bring peace and prosperity to the longhouse for generations!
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
