Dancing for Diversity

KOMPAS/DIONISIUS REYNALDO TRIWIBOWO

Wisdariman

For Wisdariman, dancing is not just a matter of harmony of motions, let alone just a show. He values dancing as an effort to preserve the diversity that has been instilled by Indonesia\'s predecessors.

On Tuesday (9/2/2021), Wisdariman (66) was still busy in his garden. He wore a plaid shirt with a black T-shirt underneath, trousers with a few patches here and there and a splash of mud at the bottom. That morning, he watered some of the vegetables and dragon fruit he had planted.

His small body was still strong enough to carry a bucket full of water. Sweat was dripping between his tense, visible veins. Wisdariman immediately smiled at anyone who came to visit him. He then sat on a wooden seat that he made himself under the shady trees.

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He loves planting. The garden was full of plants, including trees. Like the Dayaks in general, some plants are grown deliberately to meet the needs of the kitchen so that cooking activities keep running. He swiftly showed several types of leaves that are commonly used for cooking spices. All is natural.

Such activity was carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic. He visited his garden more often, but didn\'t forget to take care of his dance studio. He just didn\'t want to rest, he always wanted to do something.

The man who was born in a village in South Barito regency, Central Kalimantan, has for decades lived in Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province. He lives in Kalampangan subdistrict, Sabangau district, Palangkaraya.

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Before becoming the subdistrict it is today, he recalls the moment 48 years ago when the small village, which was still a dense forest, was designated as a transmigration site by the government. When the transmigrants came and occupied the houses provided, Wisdariman was asked by the government at that time to prepare music and dance performance.

KOMPAS/DIONISIUS REYNALDO TRIWIBOWO

Wisdariman

Magical dance

In the village only Wisdariman and his family were able to perform a show like that. There were no studios like now in Palangkaraya. He was asked to do a show because he was often invited to dance during weddings and traditional rituals. In addition, he was a mantir (traditional Dayak leader and title).

"I was confused, at that time there were only four people at home. It\'s just enough to play music, then who would dance? ” said Wis, his nickname.

Finally, Wis asked some young people from the transmigrant families in the area to be trained how to practice dancing for shows. No kidding, he trained those youngsters the Dadas dance. This dance is so magical, very Dayak, and is known as a dance to heal ill people in the Dayak Ma\'anyan tradition. At that time, he was opposed by other Dayak residents. However, he remained steadfast.

I\'m happy, it\'s up to people what to say. But, for me, people who want to study are hard to find.

Wis continued to teach the transmigrant children who were 100 percent from Java to dance the typical Dayak Ma\'anyan dances. He made his plantation land a place for training even though his feet were full of mud. It took several weeks of practice until finally the dancers and musicians were ready to perform. The performance went well and everyone was happy.

"After that, the transmigrant children still want to dance, performing the Dayak dance. I\'m happy, it\'s up to people what to say. But, for me, people who want to study are hard to find,” said Wis.

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Wis was then asked to form a community. Finally, on 10 February 1980 a community called Manguntur Janang was formed. Manguntur in Dayak Ma\'anyan means "arena", while janang means "busy".

The community then developed into a dance studio, which until now has performed various shows in Kalimantan and other islands in the archipelago.

KOMPAS/DIONISIUS REYNALDO TRIWIBOWO

Wisdariman

The studio is the first to be established in Palangkaraya. Some of his students are now making life in various professions, but they still dance, at least for their families, for the continuity of tradition, as well as for identity. Not a few of Wis\'s students also started a dance studio. Among the many people who practiced the dance to Wis, there was the name Bagong Kussudiardja. He once learned the Dayak bracelet dance. On the other hand, Wis also learned dance from Bagong. They exchanged knowledge.

The variety (of dances) is getting richer, time flies just like that. Wis himself didn\'t change. The clothes are still the same, the ones he has been wearing since several years ago. “In some ways, I am delighted to see a variety that is getting richer. However, many young people dance not on the right basis. The basis of Dayak dance should not be changed,” he criticized seeing the Dayak dancers today.

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According to Wis, dancing should not be about money. Many dancers build studios so they can have a stage for the high pay. Finally, in this city many dancers simply fulfill the invitations of the government or the private sector.

Dance movements do not recognize ethnicity, religion and others. Everything blends in the dance.

Until finally Wis, together with his students, Noviana Laman and Denny from Sanggar Balanga Tingang, held a traditional Dayak dance performance on 26 June 2010. The stage was attended by more than 50 dancers from various studios from several regions. The performance was

the first event initiated by dance studios in Palangkaraya. "There is no difference whatsoever. In dancing everything is the same. Dance movements do not recognize ethnicity, religion and others. Everything blends in the dance, ”said Wis.

He was no longer able to remember the hundreds or even thousands of students he taught. He didn\'t want to remember where they came from. He is also willing to accept wages for dancing from stage to stage regardless of the amount.

For him, dancing is preserving and introducing culture amid the deepest differences. In fact, through dancing, he truly seeks diversity and creates artists with the idea of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, unity in diversity.

Wisdariman

Born: Baruang village, South Barito regency, Central Kalimantan, 21 July 1954 Wife: Doariani (44)

Education:

- SDN Baruang, South Barito - SMP-SMA Buntok - Law school Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Hukum, Tambun Bungai, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan

This article was translated by Kurniawan H. Siswoko.