My late father, Apai Salok Jembu (1910-2002), was a prominent bard known for his expertise in various Iban incantation rituals.
He led the performances of Timang Jalung during significant ceremonies such as Gawai Antu (Festival to Commemorate the Deceased), Pengap Gawai Umai (Farming Festival), and Pengap Gawai Batu (Sharpening Stone Festival).
Additionally, he was revered for his mastery of Renung Sakit (Healing Incantation) and Renung Semain (Happy Melodious Incantation).Between 1961 and 1973, he was invited to lead the Timang Jalung ceremonies in several longhouses during their Gawai Antu celebrations in Saratok, Debak, and Betong.
It was a tremendous honour for him to serve as the lead bard, guiding a group of four or five
other bards during these performances.
Apai, though not renowned for his prowess as a recording artist, held the distinction of being the first to immortalise the ‘sampi,’ an Iban prayer equivalent, when his cousin Gerunsin Lembat of Radio Sarawak captured his rendition in 1955.
Although his cousin eventually achieved the prestigious position of Sarawak State Secretary bearing the title Tan Sri Datuk, Apai remained more dedicated to the traditions of Timang Jalung and Pengap rather than the widely known Renung Semain bardic form.
Renung Semain, known for its tales of love, jealousy, heartfelt romances, heartbreaks, and the trials of love, did not align with Apai’s strengths in articulation, prompting him to steer clear of its practice.
Meanwhile, Renung Semain thrived as a favoured entertainment on Radio Malaysia, showcasing celebrated bards like Saban Imong, Jelemin Jantan from Kedap, Saratok, alongside other luminaries such as Segaya Geraik, Bidin Sanggu, Ngelai Lap, Laja, and more.
However, Apai gained prominence in our Melupa, Saratok region during the 1960s and 1970s for his expertise in the Renung Sakit, a healing incantation accompanied by a distinctive melody. So, what does Renung Sakit entail?
It primarily focuses on restoring the well-being of individuals experiencing distress, mental anguish, illness, weakness, or afflictions that require healing.
Additionally, it can offer solace to those grieving the loss of a loved one through its soothing melodic incantations.
In 1967, an elderly man named Mansur Bungang, also known as Apai Ipit in his mid-70s, went missing in the jungles of Lower Krian near Saratok town at a location called Kali.
He had strayed while visiting his farm in the area. His disappearance was noticed a day later, and after seven days of searching, he was discovered deep in the jungle in a frail state.
He was brought back to his longhouse, Lubuk Bundung in upper Melupa (now defunct), close to our rubber plantation.
Mansur’s son, Ipit, sought help from Apai at our Bukit Tinggi rubber plantation downstream. He asked my father, who was then in his 50s, to perform a healing ritual, known as Renung Sakit, for his father Mansur. Apai agreed, and the ceremony took place the following evening.
I vividly recall Mansur, a robust figure, positioned in the ruai gallery atop a platform enclosed by a Pua Kumbu blanket.
Apai, seated on a stool below the platform, performed the Renung Sakit.
During the ceremony, he prayed for Mansur’s forgiveness from the deities, beseeching them to restore his health and strength.
Describing Mansur as a virtuous individual, he emphasised his opposition to all forms of evil.
This prayerful act was repeated persistently over several hours, accompanied by a miring ceremony that included the participation of numerous elders.
The mesmerising quality of Apai’s voice captivated the vast crowds that filled the entire longhouse gallery.
Witnessing Mansur’s gradual recovery, he expressed his gratitude to Apai for the healing incantations that alleviated his suffering.
After the conclusion of the enchantment and ritual, guests enjoyed beverages and pancakes as refreshments.
As a young student in Primary Six at Nanga Assam Primary School downriver, I particularly relished the coffee and pancakes served during the event.
It was known that Mansur, a close friend of my grandfather Jembu, lived for at least three years following the incident and the ritual.
This event marked Apai’s most unforgettable experience as a Renung Sakit practitioner, representing the sole significant case I remember him handling with such dedication.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
