An Explanation of the Banjar Community's 'Pukung' Tradition in Perak
Pukung is a method of swaddling a baby in a cradle used by the Banjar community. This technique is designed to make it easier for the baby to sleep while being rocked. A baby who is being 'pukung' will be positioned as if they are sitting in the cradle. Babies with a cold can sleep comfortably when placed in this position.
A quick reminder to our loyal readers of orangperak.com: if you are not familiar with this binding method, do not attempt it. Following the pictorial information we shared on the Orang Perak Facebook page on July 4, 2017, there were many comments filled with questions regarding the condition of the babies being 'pukung'. This article is written based on comments and a detailed review by a concerned individual named Along Putera on that Facebook status. A summary of their statement is provided below. The 'berpukung' tradition is very popular among those of Banjar descent. It wouldn't feel right without it; every child born of Banjar descent must experience being 'pukung'. For your information, loyal readers of orangperak.com, 'pukung' is not a form of abuse, even though a child being 'pukung' may look like they are in pain.
shared by Cik WT Emi Naddia
shared by Hayati Mohamad Nor
In reality, 'pukung' does not cause any pain to the child; it actually provides comfort. Usually, babies who are 'pukung' are those suffering from bloating, colds, stomach aches, fever, and other ailments. Babies with such issues often cry if left lying down and only want to be carried. Therefore, 'pukung' is one way to keep them comfortable so parents or guardians can continue with their daily tasks.
shared by Ila Suhaila
'Pukung' is not a method of child abuse. It is a technique for putting a baby to sleep that has been practiced by the Banjar community for a long time. Sadly, this 'pukung' method is increasingly being forgotten by the descendants of the Banjar community, many of whom reside in Perak today. It is very rare to see this method applied to the current generation of babies.
shared by Julia Uliek
This may be due to a lack of exposure to the 'pukung' method and a lack of interest in passing it down. There are also cases where the method is opposed by in-laws who are not of Banjar descent, as they feel afraid or sad seeing the baby in a position that looks like they are suffering. Because of this, the skill to perform the 'pukung' method is fading, and today's descendants lack the confidence to practice it.
shared by Misah Aziz
Below are the benefits of 'berpukung' as stated by the author for all loyal readers of orangperak.com.
- Sleep more soundly as if in their mother's embrace
- Less likely to choke while bottle-feeding
- Less prone to rashes because urine flows downwards
- Sleeps in a comfortable position similar to being in the womb
- Easier for mothers to rock and lull the baby to sleep
- Banjar people rarely have hunched backs in old age; this method strengthens the spine from infancy
- If the baby has a cold, they will sleep more soundly and it helps open the airways
- Babies rarely fall out of the cradle, allowing mothers to work comfortably without worry
shared by Yati Ahmad
Honestly, the benefits of the 'pukung' method have never been scientifically proven, but this is a method passed down from the past until today, and the Banjar community is very proud of the uniqueness of this method which facilitates their daily work. The descendants of the Banjar community, especially in Perak, should uphold this method so that it is not lost to time.
