Tantyo captures ethnic values in his picture

Bayu Dwi, Contributor, Jakarta

Indonesia is well-known for its rich cultural traditions. But in this modern era, tradition seems to be increasingly regarded as an "enemy."

When an individual or a community wishes to modernize, traditions are often abandoned and sometimes forgotten.

Today, many of Indonesia's various ethnic traditions are on the verge of disappearance. The atmosphere is further clouded by the uncertainties as to which values are prevalent.

This theme is prevalent in Tantyo Bangun's solo photo exhibition entitled Senjakala Tradisi (The Dusk of Tradition), held at Antara's Journalistic Photo Gallery in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, which runs until Oct. 17.

In his black-and-white pictures, Tantyo attempts to record traditions of several ethnic groups including the Mentawai, Dayaks and the Sumba, which are being marginalized of late.

Antara chief editor M. Sobari said that culture can't be regarded as something linear as modernization and tradition can coexist through time.

"Everyday we create a new tradition, like this exhibition. Previously, this activity was almost non-existent, but today it is in abundance, which means we are continuously creating new traditions," he said.

Tantyo's photos evoke powerful emotions. And the question that needs to be asked is; are these truly the obscure portraits of local tradition? Though not encompassing the country's whole tradition, he explicitly reminds us of the cultural richness still present throughout this vast archipelago.

A series of pictures of Mentawai people on Siberut island, West Sumatra, is one of the examples. The Mentawaians, who used to have a very isolated culture, are now influenced a great deal by modernization. Their traditional culture is now only found in the southern and western parts of the island. Their traditional ceremonies are becoming increasingly rare throughout the island.

Tantyo captures on film at least one ceremony called Lajo simagre, a dance involving a boat belonging to an evil spirit, and performed all night long to enable the kerei agung pageta sabbau (high priest) to heal sick citizens.

To forecast the future, Mentawaians usually sacrifice a white rooster to decorate the simagre (the spirit's boat).

Tantyo theorizes that Mentawai traditions have become marginalized due to local government expediency in carrying out various programs.

"It (cultural marginalization) is due to efforts intended to unite Mentawai's clans and enable the local administration's program on education and health to proceed. Apparently it has decreased the ritual performances in the clans."

"We also find pictures rarely seen in cities," said Aristides Katoppo, chief editor of Sinar Harapan evening daily. "For instance, just look at the longhouses of the Dayak people in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan."

Tantyo is fond of traveling, not only in Indonesia but also to other countries, since joining the University of Indonesia's Students Nature Society (Mapala UI).

With his schoolmates, he once crossed the Tripa river in Aceh and climbed Cayambe and Chimburazo mountains in Ecuador in 1987. In 1993, together with Ripto Mulyono, they became the first Indonesians to reach the snowy peak of Aconcagua mountain in Argentina. He also has been to Antarctica.

Tantyo is very enthusiastic about exploration, and this remains his main motivation for each activity, and the underlying theme of his reports and adventure photography during his five- year career as a journalist for Matra magazine.

He is also busy with documentary films of Indonesia's national parks including Kayan Mentarang, Kalimantan, and National Geographic in Mentawai, Sumatera. Writing is also his other passion as he has published some books and articles in Time, Asiaweek, Business Week, GEO and National Geographic. In his spare time he does work with an adventure magazine, Jelajah, where he is chief editor.

"Nowadays I'm finalizing a book on Indonesian traditional medicines. I might be able to get it published in three years, so please keep your fingers crossed," he said with a smile.