Page 316 - THE MELANESIA DIASPORA FILE CETAK ISI 10022017

There are many phrases or expressions that describe the view of the Melanesian people
inherent in the governance of people’s day-to-day life. For example, we have the Timorese
pattern of farm life like farming and handling activities in the fields. This has always been
the dominant factor affecting the system and strategies of spoken languages of local
communities, which automatically affects oral traditions (Evans-Pritchard, 1940, 1956,
Kottak, 1999). People in Vanuatu society and Melanesian people and other inhabitants who
live near the coastlines rely on ‘fishing’ for their livelihood, which always inspires their oral
tradition. Here, a compendium of the oral traditions of research results in some regions of
Melanesia discovering ten functions of oral tradition (Neonbasu, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011a).
First, oral tradition reveals the history of the past to formulate something that has
happened; the monumental events that have long passed. People highly appreciate all that
has passed, especially with regard to matters of heritage and tradition, because there is the
flow of life in it, which is considered very high. Maybrat, Imiam, and Sawiat in West Papua
appreciate the oral tradition because the stories passed on remind the people of wiyon //
wolfe, as an expression showing ‘the almighty’ which has guided the traditional society to an
eternal life. On various occasions during the rites, oral tradition is the mainstay to describe the
atmosphere of the past, through which people can seek the wisdom to improve their characters
in life. Local people’s perspectives always link the past with the present, with emphasis on the
thought of ‘the present’, which is an extension of everything that ever happened in the past.
Moreover, social behavior of listening to the story about the past is a commendable thing for
everyone in the village (Neonbasu, 2011a, Sagrim, 2013, Vansina, 1965).
Second, oral tradition often gives an overview of the journey of certain tribes, families
or specific individuals. Stories are always a form of speakers’ elaboration to show all kinds
of lives played by certain subjects. West Papuans give special respect to the oral tradition
because the stories describe the characters of community groups on the one hand and the
authority of certain institutions on the other. In relation to it, then the Raja Ampat area
known generally by the People of Kawe, Maya, Matbat, Moi and Beser as the ultimate
authority. The tribes of Iha, Onin, and Mbaham embrace authority in the Peninsula area
of Oin (Fakfak), and then for the area of Kaimana and Bintuni, authority is held by the
tribes of Kowiai, Irarutu, Mairasi, Buruai, Kamberau and Kamoro. The area of Moskona
is ruled by the following tribes Ogoney, Yerkohok, Ibori, Orocomna, Asmorom, ljehido,
Masokoda, Ortua, Jets and Igomu. Oral tradition generally explains the identity of certain
ethnic groups or groups of people.

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