We have a welcoming dance for each province in Indonesia. Across
Sumatera especially, the dances are mostly about offering betel nut as a symbol
of friendly reception. In Jambi, it is called ‘SEKAPUR SIRIH’ dance, in Aceh it
is called ‘RANUB LAMPUAN’ dance, in Riau it is called ‘TEPAK SIRIH’ dance. In
the kingdom era, the princess, along with her maids would perform this dance in
front of king’s guests. Our cultures teach us to be a warm hearted host. Even in
Aceh, we have a term of “PEMULIA JAMEE” which means honoring the guest. In some
old village in Aceh, if you visit someone in midday, they would not let you go
home before having lunch with them. No matter what they have. It is all about
being a good host.
Back to the welcoming dance, I am just thinking about all
efforts that the host put to welcome the guests. With all the make-up, complete
costume, choreography, smile, they open their hand to welcome the guests. Then
I remembered that I always feel annoyed when my parents ask me to greet their
guest who may be my parent’s friends or relatives that I don’t really know well.
I prefer to stay at my room, doing my
stuff rather than having 5-minute awkward moment to say hi to ‘stranger’
guests. My effort to say ‘hi’ may be is nothing to compare with what those
dancers have done. And it made me realize that probably, I need to rethink
about the way I treat the guest. And one more time, it is all about be a good
human being. Really.
