West Papua Songs do not only contain a collection of rhythmic lyrics but also contain messages and advice to their listeners. Umm Fatimah Ria Lestari discovered the meaning during her study for her journal, Didactic Elements in Papuan Folk Songs, Language Centre of Papua Province and West Papua Province both agreed.
West Papuan songs that are rich in meaning
1. Yamko Rambe Yamko
Yamko Rambe Yamko’s song, a folk song originating from Papua, tells of the sacrifice of a courageous national hero.
2. Sajojo
The meaning of the song Sajojo, which is one of West Papua Songs, tells the story of a beautiful girl.
Her parents adore this girl dearly. This girl finally developed into the village flower that men wanted to wed.
3. Apuse
The meaning of the Apuse song, which is a folk song from Papua, tells the story of a grandfather and grandmother who say goodbye to their beloved grandson who wants to migrate to the other side.
4. E Mambo Simbo
The meaning of song E Mambo Simbo, which is a folk song originating from Papua, tells of the joy of meeting a father with his long-lost son in the forest. And his son is named Mambo.
5. West Papua Songs Diru Diru Nina
The following local Papuan song is Diru Diru Nina. Diru Diru Nina translates to “Uang Dina” in Indonesian. This song is fairly well-known and well-liked; Black Brother and Trio Ambisi from North Sumatra even learned it. The song Diru Diru Nina, a folk song from Papua, tells of prayer so that the local community is strong and can withstand all challenges.
6. Rasine Ma Rasine
The song Rasine Ma Rasine which is a folk song originating from Papua, is about joy. The creator of the Rasine Ma Rasineini song is Wem Mesido. Rasine Ma Rasine song is also often used as an accompaniment to traditional ceremonies and dance accompaniments during performances. This is a means of communication media to introduce Papuan culture.
7. Soup Mowi Ya
Sup Mowi Ya is a well-known West Papua Song, where this song was composed by a very influential musician in Papua, Arnold Clemens AP, with his music group, Mambesak Group.
Arnold AP is an anthropologist, musician, humanist, and academic and is considered one of the heroes of unity in Papua. Through his songs, Arnold seeks to embrace the existence of various tribes in Papua into one.
However, his efforts were instead seen as a form of fostering Papuan nationalism, and were killed by the Indonesian military in April 1984 for allegedly sympathizing with the Free Papua Movement.
8. West Papua Songs Paik Akori
Paik Akori is a folk song from Papua with a touching meaning. The lyrics of the song itself tell the story of a nomad who is longing for his hometown. The nomads in the song Paik Akori are told to leave their area to seek knowledge.
Philosophy in West Papuan Songs
- The intellectual element of West Papua Songs, in this context, a serious or conscientious approach to learning, independence, a desire to preserve nature and its resources, steadfastness, and a spirit of collaboration are all appropriate.
- Elements of ethics and religion, in this case, our respect for parents, a friendly attitude, strong attitude, and mutual love; and
- Philosophical elements, in this case, the attitude of love for the homeland (homeland, hometown).
Wrapping Up
Now that you know and understand some West Papua Songs, all we have to do as a good Indonesian citizen is to keep preserving it otherwise these traditional songs will perish over time. We all know that from Sabang to Merauke, as well as West Papua held a massive richness inside of this culture. These songs are part of the culture that we must not forget.
