Rundukan - Modsusupu

Written by H. Joplin Mosiun

March 23, 2023

Rundukan's debut single is loosely based on the life of Molimbu, the grandfather of my paternal grandmother. Molimbu was a Modsusupu, a skilled blacksmith who made various agricultural tools and weapons for the people of his village, such as the Pida and Dangoh. He was born in the 1850s in Kampung Kituau, Penampang. 

Molimbu was partially blind after being attacked by several robbers at his forge. Despite being outnumbered,  he fought back and managed to wrestle each attacker to the ground and immobilising them. However, one of the robbers grabbed a hot iron rod and struck Molimbu in the eye, causing him immense pain and partial blindness. He survived the ordeal and lived through a time when headhunting was common, until the British arrived and put an end to it in 1881.

Molimbu married Mohunggoi, who was from the Pungiton longhouse in Kampung Marang (Maang). The song is based on stories told to me by my grandmother and other relatives. 

Special thanks to Chester Sinidol and Jerry Wong for the video footage and photos. Thank you!

Molimbu & his children