Tantyo captures ethnic values in his picture<\/p>\n
Bayu Dwi, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Indonesia is well-known for its rich cultural traditions. But
\nin this modern era, tradition seems to be increasingly regarded
\nas an "enemy."<\/p>\n
When an individual or a community wishes to modernize,
\ntraditions are often abandoned and sometimes forgotten.<\/p>\n
Today, many of Indonesia's various ethnic traditions are on
\nthe verge of disappearance. The atmosphere is further clouded by
\nthe uncertainties as to which values are prevalent.<\/p>\n
This theme is prevalent in Tantyo Bangun's solo photo
\nexhibition entitled Senjakala Tradisi (The Dusk of Tradition),
\nheld at Antara's Journalistic Photo Gallery in Pasar Baru,
\nCentral Jakarta, which runs until Oct. 17.<\/p>\n
In his black-and-white pictures, Tantyo attempts to record
\ntraditions of several ethnic groups including the Mentawai,
\nDayaks and the Sumba, which are being marginalized of late.<\/p>\n
Antara chief editor M. Sobari said that culture can't be
\nregarded as something linear as modernization and tradition can
\ncoexist through time.<\/p>\n
"Everyday we create a new tradition, like this exhibition.
\nPreviously, this activity was almost non-existent, but today it
\nis in abundance, which means we are continuously creating new
\ntraditions," he said.<\/p>\n
Tantyo's photos evoke powerful emotions. And the question that
\nneeds to be asked is; are these truly the obscure portraits of
\nlocal tradition? Though not encompassing the country's whole
\ntradition, he explicitly reminds us of the cultural richness
\nstill present throughout this vast archipelago.<\/p>\n
A series of pictures of Mentawai people on Siberut island,
\nWest Sumatra, is one of the examples. The Mentawaians, who used
\nto have a very isolated culture, are now influenced a great deal
\nby modernization. Their traditional culture is now only found in
\nthe southern and western parts of the island. Their traditional
\nceremonies are becoming increasingly rare throughout the island.<\/p>\n
Tantyo captures on film at least one ceremony called Lajo
\nsimagre, a dance involving a boat belonging to an evil spirit,
\nand performed all night long to enable the kerei agung pageta
\nsabbau (high priest) to heal sick citizens.<\/p>\n
To forecast the future, Mentawaians usually sacrifice a white
\nrooster to decorate the simagre (the spirit's boat).<\/p>\n
Tantyo theorizes that Mentawai traditions have become
\nmarginalized due to local government expediency in carrying out
\nvarious programs.<\/p>\n
"It (cultural marginalization) is due to efforts intended to
\nunite Mentawai's clans and enable the local administration's
\nprogram on education and health to proceed. Apparently it has
\ndecreased the ritual performances in the clans."<\/p>\n
"We also find pictures rarely seen in cities," said Aristides
\nKatoppo, chief editor of Sinar Harapan evening daily. "For
\ninstance, just look at the longhouses of the Dayak people in
\nKapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan."<\/p>\n
Tantyo is fond of traveling, not only in Indonesia but also to
\nother countries, since joining the University of Indonesia's
\nStudents Nature Society (Mapala UI).<\/p>\n
With his schoolmates, he once crossed the Tripa river in Aceh
\nand climbed Cayambe and Chimburazo mountains in Ecuador in 1987.
\nIn 1993, together with Ripto Mulyono, they became the first
\nIndonesians to reach the snowy peak of Aconcagua mountain in
\nArgentina. He also has been to Antarctica.<\/p>\n
Tantyo is very enthusiastic about exploration, and this
\nremains his main motivation for each activity, and the underlying
\ntheme of his reports and adventure photography during his five-
\nyear career as a journalist for Matra magazine.<\/p>\n
He is also busy with documentary films of Indonesia's national
\nparks including Kayan Mentarang, Kalimantan, and National
\nGeographic in Mentawai, Sumatera. Writing is also his other
\npassion as he has published some books and articles in Time,
\nAsiaweek, Business Week, GEO and National Geographic. In his
\nspare time he does work with an adventure magazine, Jelajah,
\nwhere he is chief editor.<\/p>\n
"Nowadays I'm finalizing a book on Indonesian traditional
\nmedicines. I might be able to get it published in three years,
\nso please keep your fingers crossed," he said with a smile.<\/p>",
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