Papua has various large tribes that are famous for still existing from ancient times to modern times like today. One of the largest tribes in Papua is the Sentani Tribe. Because of the large number of indigenous Sentani Tribe people, there are several sub-tribes that inhabit their territory. The Sentani sub-tribe that is quite well-known by the community is the Ohey Tribe which also inhabits the area around Lake Sentani. This tribe has various cultural riches that still exist and are preserved by future generations. Starting from traditional clothing, traditional weapons, and of course dances and songs. The Ohey Tribe likes to celebrate special days by holding dance and song performances to be offered to the spirits of their ancestors as an expression of gratitude.
The Ohey Tribe lives in the Ohey Island area or better known as Asei Island. This island is a special island because it is located in the middle of Lake Sentani. So to reach the island, it is necessary to take a boat or ship with a travel time of approximately 5 minutes from the Kalkhote Pier.
Traditional songs which are the cultural heritage of the Ohey Tribe are still preserved today. The use of traditional songs is adjusted to the event or ritual being carried out. Usually, traditional songs belonging to the Ohey Tribe are sung along with their traditional dance, namely the Isolo Dance. Some events that hold dance and song performances, for example, in traditional events such as wedding parties, the coronation of tribal chiefs, and also death rituals. So there are several traditional song themes that are in accordance with the ceremonies or rituals carried out by the Ohey Tribe.
One of the traditional songs from the Ohey Tribe is entitled Kindale-Smaytale. This song tells about the spirit of the Ohey Tribe people, especially the men who have strong arm and leg muscles to carry out daily activities. In addition, the spirit is also shown by how the song describes the Ohey Tribe people who like to celebrate something.
The Kindale-Smaytale song also tells about the natural conditions where the Ohey Tribe lives. The song that is sung describes the conditions of Lake Sentani and Asei Island in the middle with a landscape of hills and beautiful forests for the hunting activities of the Ohey Tribe people. The harmony of humans with nature which is the environment where they live as well as to meet daily needs is also described in this song. So there are messages to preserve nature for the good of humanity itself. The preservation of traditional songs from the Ohey Tribe is going well because the songs are taught to the children of the Ohey Tribe. Not to mention at government-initiated performances such as the Sentani Lake Festival, traditional songs from the Ohey Tribe are also performed to tourists who are visiting. So there is documentation that helps the process of recording history so that traditional songs do not become extinct.
