Music is a culture that can describe the characteristics of a region. Regions in Indonesia are no exception with their various kinds of diversity. Papua, as a province in Indonesia, also has unique musical characteristics. As a part of culture, music is passed down from one generation to another. Papuan people are more familiar with music in terms of folk songs. So, folk songs in Papua are a characteristic that is inherited and preserved through its various uses. Papuan folk songs are often used as a medium for conveying messages or it could be said that Papuan folk songs are a medium of communication.
One of the famous folk songs in Papua is the song entitled “Apuse” which was created by an educator named Korinus Mandosir. The song has complete lyrics, namely:
Apuse kokon dao
Yarabe soren doreri
Wuf lenso bani nema baki pase
Arafabye aswarakwar
Arafabye aswarakwar
Apuse kokon dao
Yarabe soren doreri
Wuf lenso bani nema baki pase
Arafabye aswarakwar
Arafabye aswarakwar
The song tells about the relationship between a grandson and his grandfather and grandmother. More or less what the song is trying to show is about a grandson who says goodbye and will cross the ocean by ship to achieve his goals, whether in work or education. It can be said that this song is a goodbye greeting from grandchildren to their grandparents to go migrate to another area.
“Apuse” is a folk song that is characteristic of the Papuan people and describes how there is respect from one generation to another. How could it not be, the respect and affection of a grandson for his grandparents. Farewell greetings are given to ask for permission, blessings, and also so that the grandson will be given safety in pursuing his goals and dreams in an overseas place. This song has also become a popular folk song known by various generations in Papua and even in Indonesia.
Music, folk songs and songs can be said to be part of communication or conveying messages. When communicating, the song “Apuse” is said to be language that is conveyed from one party to another. In this song it is from a grandson to his grandfather and grandmother. Language also has a function according to Malinowski. One of its functions is the interactional function. When language has an interactional function, language is able to keep the flow of communication running. Thus, the song “Apuse” has an interactional function to maintain all kinds of messages conveyed in it from one generation to another. The existence of this function is also able to ensure that the song remains sustainable even though times continue to change.