The Lobu of Kinarut

Written by H. Joplin Mosiun 

July 28, 2023

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I explored the origin of Botibas in previous articles [1] [2] [3] [4], which is music performed during war-related rites and rituals. The rhythmic patterns of the Botibas display striking similarities to Magalai, a war-related music of the Lobu people from Ranau. Lobu communities reside in Ranau, Tongod, and Sook districts in Keningau, each with its distinct tribal identity. The Botibas likely emerged from the influence of Magalai and gained popularity among the early people of Penampang, the forefathers of the Penampang Kadazans.

After unifying under the Bangkaakon, several groups (or tribes) from Sugud and Maang migrated to Kinarut and Kawang in Papar, which is likely the reason why some groups in Papar claim ancestral origins from Penampang. These groups may include the Tobilung, Tombonuo (Makiang), Bangkaak (Mangkaak), and Malapi.

The Botibas' resemblance to the Magalai suggests the influence of the Lobu people in the Putatan district. In the context of the Kadazans, Kinarut is referred to as Honggom. However, it remains unclear whether 'Honggom' encompasses the entire Kinarut district or only specific areas within it, such as Kg. Mook, Kg. Sondoton, Kg. Longkuas, and Kg. Tampasak. Kinarut is considerably an ancient locality and likely dates back to the early days of the Brunei empire.

The Lobu people, who settled in different places and believe Nunuk Ragang to be their original settlement, formed many groups, including one that took the name 'Longgom'. It is possible that Kinarut, known as Honggom to the Kadazans, was a territory of the Lobu people who held influence over the area and the communities residing there. The relationship between the Lobu and the Bangkaakon is still being determined, and it is uncertain if they reached Putatan around the same time as the Tobilung, Bangkaak, and Tombonuo. Further research is needed to understand the historical connections and timelines between these groups.

The Botibas is believed to have originated during the time of Monsopiad, while some narratives suggest that Monsopiad himself created the Botibas. Although there is uncertainty surrounding its true origins, I believe its popularity began on the Tamu (market) grounds. 

The distinct rhythm and beat of the Lobu's Magalai attracted a following. On the other hand, the Tobilung's Magagung of Sugud held a deeper religious significance in comparison to the Magalai. Local musicians in the area may have been inspired by the Magalai and created their own versions, leading to competitions during the Badi (market). These competitions weren't just between warriors but also between musical ensembles. The dance was called 'Botibas' because it involved a warrior brandishing a gayang (sword) while performing a war dance. The catchy rhythm and the portrayal of actions in battle made it captivating and memorable for the audience.

The YouTube video titled "Orang Pau Menyerang Kg. Mook Kinarut" uploaded by Tanong Komohoingan offers an interesting narrative. In this video, the folk story is narrated in the Kadazan language by Pilisiah Tondugal, the widow of Japulis Motijung, a Kadazan singer in the 1950s. Japulis Motijung is also the elder brother of my maternal grandmother, Mien Motijung. 

The story revolves around an attack on the Mook village by a group of bandits called the "Orang Pau" or Pau people, led by their leader Lindungon. Sandai, the champion of Mook, valiantly protects and defends his village against the Pau. A fierce battle ensues between Lindungon and Sandai, with Sandai emerging as the victor when Lindungon's hair gets tangled in a bamboo branch during the scuffle, leading to his death. The narrator describes the Pau as horse riders and assumed to be the Balangingi pirates. 

An interesting fact is that the Pau is a sub-group of the Lobu. According to Shim, the Lobu from Nunuk Ragang included groups such as the Pau, Longgom, Vatang and Serawon.¹ 

Pirates or not, the story tells of a conflict between groups. Could there have been a power struggle between the Lobu and the Bangkaakon and the groups aligned with it? Did the Lobu form an alliance with the Tangara, the group Monsopiad is associated with? If the Botibas was created during Monsopiad's time and if so, they (Lobu) would have reached Putatan when old Datu Botulung and the Bangkaakon gangs were in control of the area while rivalled by the Tangara gangs. This period roughly falls in the 1830s-1840s before the Sugud uprising which heralded the fall of the Bangkaakon. 

Folk stories can undergo changes over time, leading to variations in their original form. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including the assimilation of different cultures and backgrounds. As folktales are passed down through generations, they may be influenced by new narratives, cultural exchanges, and societal changes. This assimilation can result in the interweaving of different stories, adding to the richness and diversity of the folklore

Before the Dusuns arrived in Kinarut in the late 18th century, the district, along with the Putatan district, had predominantly been inhabited by the Sama (Bajau) and Brunei communities. It is not surprising that the Sama community, who inhabited Kinarut before the arrival of the Dusuns, were known for their horseback riding skills.

As a final note, Tanong Komohoingan has uploaded several videos of Pilisiah narrating folk stories from Kinarut passed down from generation to generation. Please visit his YouTube site here.

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Notes
1 Shim Phyau Soon, 2007, Inland People of Sabah: Before, During and After Nunuk Ragang, Kota Kinabalu: Borneo Cultural Heritage Publisher, pg:272^↩