Haven of Selinggar Matahari is no coincidence; it is the moniker I chose for my online persona, since Selinggar Matahari is traditionally regarded as the second runner-up (or third place) in Iban pageantry. I feel this particular goddess truly deserves grace. Her name has always intrigued me, as it literally means "The Radiance of the Sun", because I have long associated myself with the sun, metaphorically the brightest star, and I aspire for light to illuminate both my life and everything I do. In tarot readings, the Sun card is considered one of the most fortunate signs, symbolizing abundance, happiness, and good fortune.
Even though her name is rarely mentioned in Iban folklore and is often noted only as the wife of Sempurai (Bungai Nuing), I feel it is the name that most resonates with nature. I have always been fond of bodies of water, whether rivers or the ocean, and I have always preferred the warmth of the sun, its sunrise and sunset. Hence, Selinggar Matahari carries much personal meaning for me, even though I am usually called Kumang due to an Iban pageantry I won previously.
AI Overview: The Sun (XIX) is the premier Major Arcana card of joy, success, vitality, and enlightenment, signifying a period of clarity, confidence, and radiant positivity. Representing the "dawn" after a dark time, it symbolizes truth, abundance, and personal growth. It encourages embracing your inner child, being open, and radiating warmth.
In the folklore (Ensera), Selinggar Matahari is depicted as highly skilled, a master of the Pua Kumbu (sacred clothing weaving); virtuous, known for her patience, soft-spoken nature, and deep knowledge of Adat (customary law); and a protector, often advising warriors before significant journeys or battles. Perhaps this is why I chose her name, as I believe in preserving this culture - it is truly embedded in me.
Lulong, too, deserves recognition, as her name is very common as a second name among Iban girls, perhaps even more common than Kumang.
In modern Kumang Gawai competitions, the titles are ranked according to these mythical figures: the winner becomes Kumang, the first runner-up becomes Lulong, and the second runner-up becomes Selinggar Matahari. By naming my blog Haven of Selinggar Matahari, I am identifying with the grace, wisdom, and cultural values this title represents.
Selinggar Matahari is often portrayed as part of a legendary trio alongside Kumang and Lulong. While Kumang is celebrated as the “fairest” and wife of the hero Keling, Selinggar Matahari and Lulong are depicted as close cousins or sisters. In the Ensera, Selinggar Matahari is typically the wife of Sempurai, a brave warrior known for his strength and hot temper. While all three women hold high status, the folklore places them in a hierarchy: Kumang’s attributes are superlative, followed by Lulong, then Selinggar Matahari.
Ironically, groups like the Persatuan Selinggar Matahari in Sibu have adopted her name to teach Iban customs, core values, and arts to younger generations. Similarly, through my blog and other digital platforms, I reflect on the responsibilities of being a modern cultural icon. For me, the title is not just a trophy from 2019; it is a lifelong commitment to my community.
Wearing the full Ngepan Iban traditional dress is both a physical and spiritual responsibility for me. I describe the costume not as a "costume" but as a "sanctuary," because once I wear the Sugu Tinggi and the Tango, I no longer represent myself alone, but also the ancestors and the dignity of the Iban people. Carrying the title means maintaining Basu (grace) and manners even when the cameras are off.
One of the most insightful themes I often reflect on is how I carry the Selinggar Matahari ethos into my everyday life. I view my work as a form of "cultural service" and strive to ensure that the voices of rural Dayak communities are heard and represented as a journalist. Just as the mythical Selinggar Matahari was a wise advisor, I believe that as a modern title-holder, I should be a voice for the voiceless.
I also frequently use my blog and social media to mentor younger women entering the pageant circuit. I emphasize the importance of "Brain, Beauty, and Character," because being a cultural title-holder is meaningless if I don’t use my intelligence to help my people, especially since I hold a postgraduate degree. Through my writings, I hope to demonstrate that a Selinggar Matahari should be an intellectual leader, not just a symbol of beauty.
Finally, Haven of Selinggar Matahari serves as a digital sanctuary, a space where I can document and preserve the Ensera, the oral traditions of the Iban, and reflections on Dayak heritage. The stories of Selinggar Matahari, Kumang, and Lulong are more than pageant titles; they are blueprints for Iban womanhood.
By embracing Selinggar Matahari, I embrace the sun, the light, and the legacy that radiates from both the myths and the responsibilities I carry as a modern Iban woman.
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