THE ORANG KOMRING.
[It is stated in the Singapore Free Press of the 3rd instant that disturbances have lately occurred at Komring under the Government of Palembang, owing to the determination of the inhabitants to resist the levy of a poll tax of 6 rupees, and the forced labour imposed by the Dutch Government. We have not yet learned the particulars. It would appear that the former Pangeran of the district, disgusted with the duties imposed on him, had resigned his office and returned to Palem- bang, and that his successor had failed in reconciling the inhabitants to exactions to which they had not been accustomed. This disturbance appears to be considered as serious by the Supreme Government, who have ordered the immediate despatch of three War Steamers and 1,000 soldiers from Batavia." As we merely mentioned the name of this people in our General Sketch of Sumatra (ante p. 354), we here give a short potice of them, translated from the Tijdschrift v. Neerl. Ind. Ed.]
The character of the inhabitants of Komring, and especially those of Komring Ulu, is more substantial than that of the Ogan people; they have a peculiar language, their writing in letter and sound agrees much with that of the Battas, their religion is in general heathenism; worshippers of images, they firmly believe in the transmigration of the soul This people are bold and determined; and it is an extremely rare event that one of their dusons or talangs is attacked, because they can stoutly defend their lives and property. They are also more industrious than the rest of the inhabitants, and it is from their country that most pepper is brought to market. They hold fast their ancient customs; the jujur[1] is highly respected; and yet this people are obedient and submissive to all rules and commands. Although many of their dusons are about as populous as other dusons, the houses are fewer; they are large, roomy and strong, constructed of fine wooden work, and not seldom ornamented with varied carving; they sometimes contain from 10 to 20 families who live peaceably together.[2]
The so called menareh (dancing) and berswara (singing) also differ in Komring from what they are in the other districts. The young girls dress better, are more pleasing in their movements, and their voice is more harmonious than that of women of the country usually is in singing. We have frequently witnessed that girls by the gift of song are able, in free, agreeable and melodious tones, to pour forth improvised couplets and verses in honor of persons and events.[3] In former days the concubines of the Sultan were chosen from the fair sex in Komring.
Under the division of Komring is the district of Ranau, with a small population of about 3,000 souls settled around the large and beautiful lake of Ranau.[4] This lake, in a basin amidst hills, gives to the population an abundant livelihood. The Ranau tobacco is the kind in so much request in the Archipelago, and the value of which at Palembang rises from 40 sometimes to 200 and more guilders the pikul, prepared in the Indian manner.
- ↑ See Marsden's Sumatra.
- ↑ In preserving this Indo-chinese custom the Komring agree with the Korinchi (General Sketch of Sumatra ante p. 363), whom they also resemble in character and habits.—Ed.
- ↑ This is a common accomplishment amongst the more civilised Malayan races.—Ed.
- ↑ Ranau=Danau (Lang. Ind. Arch. ante Vol. II. p. 290) means a lake in most of the Malayan languages in which it occurs. In Johore it is also applied to a broad reach in a river.—Ed.
