The wek jonggan dance is usually performed by female dancers; however, in some groups or performances, male dancers are also involved to complete the portrayal of roles in the entire rice cultivation process. The costumes and accessories worn by both female and male dancers are as follows:

In the We’ Jonggan dance performance, traditional musical instruments play an

important role in accompanying the dancers' movements and creating a special

atmosphere that reflects the emotions and storyline of the dance. The combination

of these musical sounds enhances the beauty of the performance and brings to life

the cultural traditions of the Salako community. The traditional musical instruments

used in the We’ Jonggan dance are as follows:

1. Agukng (Gong)

The Agukng (Gong) serves as the primary instrument that produces low,

resonant sounds. It provides the basic rhythm for the entire performance.

Typically, two Agukng are used — one large and one smaller in size.

2. Gulintangan or Gulentang (Saron)

Gulintangan or Gulentang is a musical instrument similar to the Saron, but it

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is made of rectangular wooden bars. Each bar varies in length and pitch,

producing different tones. Usually, two players are required to perform on

this instrument.

3. Gadobong (Drum)

Gadobong or drum is a percussion instrument that produces rhythm

through striking. It is made from wood such as jackfruit wood, with a

hollowed-out center. The size of the Gadobong used in the We’ Jonggan

dance is generally smaller than ordinary drums to better suit the dance's

rhythm.

4. Suling (Flute)

The Suling or flute is made from bamboo and has several air holes along its

body. It produces a soft and melodious sound, often played to add

emotional depth to the performance. The flute’s gentle sound complements

the slow tempo of the dance.

5. Violin

The violin is one of the complementary instruments used in the We’

Jonggan performance, adding melodic beauty to the overall musical

arrangement. Although the violin is not originally a traditional instrument of

the Salako ethnic group, its inclusion in the We’ Jonggan performance

reflects a modern adaptation that blends with tradition, further enriching the

variety of sounds in the performance.

The wek jonggan performance is a combination of dance movements, singing, and traditional musical accompaniment. This dance is usually performed by both male and female dancers, consisting of 3 to 6 pairs depending on the size of the stage and the needs of the performance. Each dancer plays an important role in portraying the journey and life of the Salako community in the activities of planting and harvesting rice.

The performance begins with the soft and serene sounds of the violin and flute, creating a calm atmosphere as the opening of the performance. Gradually, the ensemble of other traditional instruments joins in to enrich the layers of sound. The combination of these instruments forms the main rhythm that serves as the foundation for the dance movements.

Lyrics of the wek jonggan Song

Jarakng jarakng wek jonggan batanam padi,

wek jonggan batanam padi.

Daapm sakilatn la wek jonggan ka dua jari,

Ka dua jari,

wek jonggan ka dua jari.

Jarakng jarakng wek jonggan diri’ batamu,

wek jonggan diri’ batamu.

Daapm sabuatn la wek jonggan ka dua kaie,

Ka dua kaie,

wek jonggan ka dua kaie.

Anak keto wek jonggan anak buriak,

wek jonggan anak buriak.

la nanamlah padi ka tangah paya’,

Ka tangah paya’,

wek jonggan ka tangah paya’.

Paling repo wek jonggan diri’ kaniak,

wek jonggan diri’ kaniak.

Dunia maju la wek jonggan diri’ dah kayak,

Diri’ dah kayak,

wek jonggan diri’ dah kayak.

Uwa’ uwa’ wek jonggan nga'ik antamu,

wek jonggan nga'ik antamu.

Tangket mati la wek jonggan sintak bajaatn,

Sintak bajaatn,

wek jonggan sintak bajaatn.

Baruk eak wek jonggan diri’ batamu,

wek jonggan diri’ batamu.

Bajo'ok topokng la wek jonggan siragey nyampak,

Siragey nyampak,

wek jonggan siragey nyampak.

***1 verse music only

Rabah jantok wek jonggan diri’ ka taiedi,

wek jonggan diri’ ka taiedi.

Satangkakng wek jonggan tama’ ka bubu,

Tama’ ka bubu,

wek jonggan tama’ ka bubu.

Tingkakok wek jonggan nimanglah padi,

wek jonggan nimanglah padi.

Padi atakng la wek jonggan lalu baribu,

Lalu baribu,

wek jonggan lalu baribu.

Udah samputn wek jonggan diri’ ka sumaya,

wek jonggan diri’ ka sumaya.

Mantokng tarap wek jonggan diri’ ka subangi,

Diri’ ka subangi,

wek jonggan diri’ ka subangi.

Babatukng wek jonggan diri’ ka sumaya,

wek jonggan diri’ ka sumaya.

Ganap ihan wek jonggan diri’ taiedi,

Diri’ ka taiedi,

wek jonggan diri’ ka taiedi.

After that, the singer begins to perform the wek jonggan song, which is sung at a slow and gentle tempo, reflecting the story contained within its lyrics. The song narrates the life journey of Si Aching and the challenging process of rice cultivation.

As the singing begins, the female dancers enter the stage in a straight line according to the predetermined formation and choreography. The dance movements largely feature hand gestures that symbolize agricultural activities. Among them are hand movements that mimic the act of placing rice seeds into a small hand basket (antoro) and the back basket, symbolizing the process of planting and collecting the harvest.

The dancers' foot movements are lifted alternately, following the rhythm and tempo of the drum accompaniment, in sync with the beats of the gadobong. The entire performance showcases a harmonious blend of singing, music, and gentle, repetitive dance movements, reflecting the calm, gratitude, and perseverance present in the rice cultivation activities of the Salako community. The performance concludes with closing movements as a sign of gratitude for the successful harvest.

Informant 1:

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a) Name: Mr. London Anak Tasin

b) Address: No.13A Kampung Pasir Hulu, 94100 Lundu, Sarawak

c) Phone: 013-8184268

d) Email: salakolara@gmail.com

e) Name of Organization/Association: Kelab Jejak Warisan dan Khazanak

Salako Rara

Informant 2:

a) Nama Informan: Puan Alice Anak Kutong

b) Address: No.13A Kampung Pasir Hulu, 94100 Lundu, Sarawak

c) Phone: 019-4386146

d) Email: salakolara@gmail.com

e) Name of Organization/Association : Kelab Jejak Warisan dan Khazanak

Salako Rara