The Key Figures or Protagonists in the Iban Migration Story (2)

Historia docet – history teaches: The Iban people have become historically conscious, having held the Iban Summit twice, once in Sintang and once in Sekadau. Doc. the author.

PONTIANAK - dayaktoday.com: In the first part of this series, we have entered the realm of the past history of the Dayak Iban people. 

That is history in its essence: listing and gathering fragments, pieces of events, and then placing them "on the research table" to be pieced together like a puzzle, forming a complete historical narrative. That is what we are doing now.

Read related article Iban and Lundayeh: Examples of Migration from the Heart of Borneo to the Outside World (1)

In this second installment, we focus on the topic of The Key Figures or Protagonists in the Iban Migration Story, in relation to the history of the Iban people's migration.

The Iban people's migration

The World Bank has been publishing a report titled Migration and Remittances Factbook annually since 2008. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has released its World Migration Report every year since 1999. The United Nations Statistical Division also maintains a global migration database.

According to figures released by the World Bank in 2011, the estimated number of migrants in 2010 stood at 215.8 million, or 3.2% of the world’s population. By 2013, the global percentage of international migrants had increased by 33%, with 59% targeting developed regions. Nearly half of these migrants were women, marking one of the most significant shifts in migration patterns over the past fifty years.

But what exactly is meant by “Migration”? Migration, or human migration, refers to the movement of people from one place to another with the intention of settling, either permanently or temporarily, in a new location.

Today, the Iban people are divided into 23 sub-ethnic groups, spread across the island of Borneo, divided among three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Their population is the largest among their ethnic group, estimated at around 1.2 million. The migration of the Iban is a historical event that is both unique and fascinating. If we draw a straight line, the distance between Tampun Juah and Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is not far at all.

In those days, binoculars had yet to be invented. Had they existed, their migration might have avoided the winding river routes of Sekayam - Kapuas and instead taken a land route. Now, centuries later, it is known that the distance from Tampun Juah to Kuching is “just a stone’s throw” away. A land route has since been established between the two countries, with people still maintaining familial ties through the border crossings of Entikong and Tebedu.

But that’s history. As a chain of interconnected events, it flows smoothly. In such a way that “true history” knows no “what-ifs.” Whether through historical research or stories passed down orally (known in Iban as jerita tua), there is little gap between them. All agree on the figures involved in the migration and the historical figures of the Iban people.

At the outset of this narrative, we agree that what is categorised as "History" must contain three essential components that can be proven: the presence of key figures, the setting (time and place), and the nature of the event itself.

The key figures or protagonists in the Iban migration story

Let us begin with the first requisite: the key figures or protagonists in the Iban migration story.

1. Gemuring Gading, the head of the Iban longhouse in ancient times, and also the father of Keling.
2. Bujang Sabalu, the father of Kumang, a close friend of Gemuring Gading.
3. Keling, son of Gemuring Gading.
4. Kumang, son of Bujang Sabalu.
5. Ayor, son of Keling and Kumang.
6. Dabung, Keling's younger brother; Empaing Aling, Keling's older sister.
7. Other notable figures include Inai Abang, Apai Abang, Sabit Berkait, Laja, Pandak Sagatak, Lulong, Jelayan Kaki Kuta, and Bungai Nuing. Indeed, the legacy of Bungai Nuing is still evident today in the region of Sungai Utik, in the Kapuas Hulu.

Bungai Nuing, often featured in the ensera of Keling, is depicted as a mighty and valiant warrior, the Iban god of war, who protected the people from attacks by the remaong (wild boar). It is believed that traces of his footsteps can still be found on a stone in the Batang Lupar region, near Lake Sentarum, Putussibau.

Concerning this, Apai Janggut, the head of the Sungai Utik longhouse and an eighth-generation descendant of Keling Kumang, said, "It’s like the skin of an eggplant—barely perceptible. But we, the Iban people, truly believe it exists," explained Apai Janggut.

So, who exactly was Bungai Nuing? According to Apai Janggut, Bungai Nuing hailed from Pangau Libau (the heavens) and was always ready to fight and assist the Iban people. A detailed account will be provided of how Bungai Nuing and his wife found Ayor, who had been abandoned in the forest because he did not appear to be human. They raised him, and he eventually became a powerful Iban figure. A part of this story was even adapted into a film in Malaysia titled The Sleeping Dictionary, released in 2003. Hollywood star Jessica Alba portrayed the Iban girl in Sarawak, where love and cultural conflicts arose.

However, the Iban maiden depicted in the film, while portrayed as kind and beautiful, does not quite mirror the figure of Kumang. Kumang, as described by my informant (Danil Banai), was the ideal Iban woman: with fair skin, neither too dark nor too light; of medium height, approximately 168 cm tall, and weighing 58 kg—just ideal!

The figures and protagonists in the history of the Iban people can be reconstructed in terms of time and place, and the events themselves. Various researchers have produced varying reconstructions, depending on their approaches, biases, and conceptual frameworks. However, one thing that never changes is the core narrative: whether in fiction or non-fiction, Keling Kumang is considered a legendary figure and the ancestor of the Iban people, much like Rama and Sita in Hindu narration, or Adam and Eve in the Abrahamic traditions. These are figures believed to be the progenitors of humanity.

It needs little explanation. To someone unfamiliar with the name Keling Kumang, I often say, "Keling and Kumang are the Iban version of Rama and Sita!" Upon hearing this, people usually respond with an understanding, "Ah!"

History flows smoothly, as a chain of interwoven events. True history does not entertain "what-ifs."

The legendary figures and historical 

The legendary figures and historical traces are nearly seamless. Even the values, customs, and traditions handed down to this day are still alive and practiced. For instance, the "Ngumbai Keling Kumang" ritual (Calling Keling Kumang), a sacred ceremony typically held in February in Tapang Sambas, Sekadau Regency, unless interrupted by a pandemic, is a unique Iban tradition. This practice, passed down through generations, serves as a testament to the enduring customs of the Iban people.

Having covered the figures and protagonists in the history, let us now move to the setting, which involves time and place. The migration of the Iban people occurred in three distinct periods. The first period was after Tampun Juah was attacked by an "unknown enemy", causing the people to scatter and weaken. As a result of eating "kulat" (mushrooms), the entire population became drunk and could no longer understand each other's language. The story is reminiscent of the Tower of Babel. 

The migration was prompted by an unusual event where the rice, when cooked, emitted a foul smell instead of the usual fragrance of rice. This first migration likely took place around the 13th century.

This timeline makes sense. Apai Janggut, the head of the Sungai Utik longhouse and an eighth-generation descendant of Keling Kumang, is nearly 90 years old. Eight generations since the 13th century is indeed significant.

-- Masri Sareb Putra, M.A., is currently conducting field research for his doctoral dissertation at the Institut Agama Kristen Negeri (IAKN) Palangka Raya -- State Christian Institute on the History and Migration of the Iban Ethnic Group.