Our Wisisi Music

Music has long been an accompaniment to the lives of West Papuans, which to a certain extent can turn into a weapon. After several decades, Wisisi is here to fill the absence of authentic 'Papuan music'. Through an encounter between modern technology and the rituals of the people in the central mountainous region of West Papua, Nikolas, Asep, and other youths transformed Wisisi and Pesek into a popular electronic music offering with a rocking Aster shuffle. From self-distribution mode such as Bluetooth transfer, to YouTube algorithm recommendations, Wisisi is now a contemporary music that is not only loved in West Papua, but also by many in other parts of the world.

  • Arief The Budiman
    Director
  • Harun Rumbarar
    Director
  • Bonny Lanny
    Director
  • Wok The Rock
    Producer
  • Asep Nayak
    Key Cast
  • Nikolas Nayak
    Key Cast
  • Markus Rumbino
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Wisisi Nit Meke
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Music Video, Short
  • Genres:
    Music Documentary
  • Runtime:
    36 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    4,750 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Indonesia
  • Country of Filming:
    Indonesia
  • Language:
    Indonesian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Yes No Wave Music
    Distributor
    Country: Indonesia
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV
Director Biography - Arief The Budiman, Harun Rumbarar, Bonny Lanny

Arief Budiman is an artist and filmmaker. The medium of his works revolves around the development of moving images and media art. In the past few years, Arief's artistic practice has been closely related to the internet, archives, and collective memory related to historical themes and violence that has occurred in Indonesia. For Arief, the internet and technology are instruments that can open up new possibilities in reading the dark history of the past. Through this instrument, he created an alternative history of the historical inequalities that had already been established and a counter-narrative of unresolved cases of violence.

Harun Rumbarar is a media activist who creates documentary films and serves as the chairman of Papuan Voices. Harun utilizes audio-visual tools to address issues that arise in the Land of Papua. Several of his works have been showcased in festivals and advocacy events within the community, including the Papua Film Festival, Coconet Camping in the Philippines, and Safenet.

Bonny Lanny is a filmmaker and musician who resides in Wamena, West Papua. He is a part of the Papuan Voices filmmaking community and has established several music and band communities. To date, he has created multiple music albums featuring Pop Wamena and traditional songs.

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Director Statement

Overall, this film aims to document the music movement in Papua, which is becoming more vibrant due to the integration of information technology. However, we also aim to highlight that Wisisi has currently gained popularity comparable to music like Mambesak, and it serves as a medium for communicating with those who experience injustice and marginalization.