Tombo can be considered as the origin of the concept of Hutan Tanah Wilayat. Tombo contains tunjuk ajar, which is guidance and advice in which society`s traditional values, customary laws, and philosophy are embodied. Because of the content, tombo is very important and thus inherited orally, one among other ways is through Nyanyi Panjang.

Generally, tombo or terombo is divided into two parts. The first part tells a story about a man who first cleared a Hutan Tanah Wilayat which now belongs to the related group. In other words, it explains the origin of the ethnic group. This part is the Nyanyi Panjang. The second part is a plainly told story (cerita biaso) or story without rhythm. This part is what Nyanyi Panjang Biasa was developed from.

(Tunggul Tauladan/ensi/01/01-2010)

Translation by Reza Daffi (terj/08/02-10)

Reference:

• Tenas Effendy,  1997. Bujang Tan Domang: Sastra lisan orang Petalangan. Yogyakarta: Yayasan Bentang Budaya.