BY Lyna Mohamad

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend a luncheon yesterday in celebration of His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebration hosted by diplomatic missions of countries represented in Brunei Darussalam.

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam was also present.

Also present at the reception were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar.

Upon arrival at the Royal Berkshire Hall, Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, Their Majesties were welcomed by the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and their spouses, led by Ambassador of Oman to Brunei Darussalam and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel Al-Maskari.

The Dean expressed thanks to His Majesty for graciously consenting to grant the Diplomatic Corps the opportunity to congratulate His Majesty on his birthday. He expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality which continues to be extended to the diplomatic community by His Majesty, members of the royal family, the Government and the people of Brunei Darussalam.

After delivering his speech on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, Sheikh Ahmed presented His Majesty with a carved wooden door frame, known as Gebyok.

The handmade Gebyok was crafted in Central Java, Indonesia, made from solid teak wood and is full of carved ornamentation. The top part depicts His Majesty’s emblem and its panels show traditional ornaments based on floral and natural themes.

The Gebyok was presented to His Majesty in recognition of Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN chairmanship last year.

Twenty-nine countries maintain resident diplomatic missions in Bandar Seri Begawan, working to build cooperation, friendship and mutually beneficial relations.

Gebyok is one of Indonesian traditional wooden artworks, originally used as the main door or room partition in a traditional Javanese house. Where in the past, the complexity of its carvings also reflected the social status of its owner.

Deep in symbolism and carries a cultural legacy blending elements of native arts to Nusantara with religious messages, including for propagation of Islam, as time goes by, spiritual symbolism (and to some extent the social prestige) of Gebyok increasingly superseded by its temporal and practical use as interior decoration that commonly used as a gate, aisle, room separator, or even as a mere interior decoration.

The top part features His Majesty’s emblem while at its heart, Gebyok carries Kalimah Syahadatain in Arabic calligraphy, as well as Lafzhul Jalaalah (Allah) and the name of ‘Muhammad’ on each side.

Its doors and side panels engraved in floral decorative, combining the Javanese style of carving and the doors are carved with a special motif called Majapahitan; and the panels are usually carved with rose flower motifs combined with Kudusan krawangan motif.

The combination of Majapahitan and Kudusan motifs also bear deep symbological and historical meaning, as the former represents the ancient pre-Islamic period of Nusantara, while the latter represents the Islamic Nusantara period, founded by the Ulamas of Nine Islamic Monastic Order (Wali Sanga).

“We are really proud that we finally could present this beautiful gift which is richly blended in the Nusantara culture. Despite the travel and logistics limitation during this pandemic, we finally could deliver it to Brunei,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Sujatmiko, as the Chairman of Gift Sub Committee.

“We are also grateful to the Dean, Sheikh Ahmed of Oman and other heads of missions for their trust and support during the process”, he added, “and hopefully this gift remains in the heart of His Majesty and people of Brunei Darussalam”.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin