AN Immersion into the Orang Asli Community

May 25, 2018

PENANG: In order to have a better and deeper appreciation of our Orang Asli brothers and sisters and their culture, ten persons went for an Immersion Experience organised by the Penang Diocesan Single Young Adults in collaboration with Sahabat Orang Asli Perak. It was the first time for the group to undergo such an experience which started with a boat ride, and concluded with a 4x4 ride and a long walk into the deep jungle of Pos Kemar, Gerik.

Hubert Thong, team leader of the Immersion Experience team of Sahabat Orang Asli Perak gave the orientation and preparations for the group prior to the 12-kilometre trek which challenged their physical endurance as well as team effort, especially when the group encountered a wild boar. Prayers, encouraging words and strength were what enabled them to overcome the challenge until they finally reached their destination, a small community of Orang Asli in Kampung Kulim. One of the participants sighed in relief and a sense of fulfilment that ‘it was all worth it.’

The participants, all city dwellers, were accompanied by 11 local young men who were very knowledgeable about jungle life. Prayers were said and a final orientation on proper jungle behaviour was conducted prior to the journey. The guides stopped to show and explain some plants and trees with medicinal value. They also used some leaves to help a participant who was injured.

The first night was an experience — staying with a tiny community of older women who prepared dinner for the exhausted participants — a mini feast of assorted fern leaves and canned tuna and tapioca. It was so delicious that they forgot their tiredness.

The second night was spent at the Sahabat Orang Asli hall in the populated area in Pos Kemar. A kenduri and fellowship had been prepared by the locals. It was followed with their traditional musical dance, Sewang. The young men led the dancing with everyone, including the participants, joining in.

Below are some of the participants’ experiences:
“During the hike, which was very difficult, I could feel that God was with us. He helped us to overcome all the obstacles (injuries, leg pains, tiredness, dark surroundings etc). Our hike was a little bit like a simple version of the Road to Calvary. We took a light bag (instead of a heavy cross), we walked a much shorter distance but we already felt the suffering. These helped me to reflect how Jesus carried the cross to Golgotha, how he suffered along that journey.

It was a good experience for me; a simple version of Good Friday immersion for my life. John 8:12 states that: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” During the night hike, I really trusted that Jesus would be our light, who leads us to our destination.”

Sharings from the participants

It was very sad to see the living conditions of our Orang Asli brothers and sisters — bad roads, poor line connection and no school. Despite this lack of progress, they are grateful for what they have. Their sense of thankfulness and simplicity taught me to know what is important to me. Instead of complaining, I ask myself, how can I make changes for the better today!--Jason James Tioh

Despite the chilling coldness of the night and the tiredness of the journey, I found that nothing compares to the true beauty of nature that I felt while on this trip. I’m a person who loves nature and wildlife. I believe in preserving nature. During this journey, I saw different scenic views of nature and many types of plants and trees and wildlife. It was really beautiful and compelled me to protect them. The Orang Asli’s way of life and tradition are something that we should treasure. Their culture is something that we can consider as a common heritage of our nation. It is something that we need to preserve and celebrate together. -- Steven Raj