Bonfilio Yosafat: Visual Quest to Preserve Indigenous Wisdom
Mahacaraka® Press
Documenting and preserving culture is an arduous yet crucial endeavor, especially in a nation as diverse as Indonesia. The country's rich traditions, indigenous knowledge, and artistic expressions are deeply interwoven with its landscapes and communities. One individual who has taken it upon himself to visually archive these cultural treasures is Bonfilio Yosafat, or simply Bonbon. As a passionate visual artist, documentarian, and explorer, Bonbon has spent over 13 years immersing himself in the stories of remote communities, ensuring that their traditions and wisdom are preserved for future generations.
Through his initiative, Nusantara Documentary, he captures the beauty and depth of Indonesia’s natural and cultural heritage. In this interview, Bonbon shares his experiences, insights, and the challenges of his journey in documenting the untold stories of the archipelago.
Can you introduce yourself and explain what Nusantara Documentary is?
My name is Bonfilio Yosafat, but people call me Bonbon—it’s easier to remember! Haha. I’m a visual artist, media documentarian, and explorer. Over the past 13 years, my artistic journey has led me to create Nusantara Documentary, a movement dedicated to visually archiving Indonesia’s natural beauty, cultural traditions, and indigenous wisdom.
What inspired you to focus on traditional tattoos for the Borneo Tattoo Expedition?
My documentation goes beyond tattoos, I archive all aspects of nature and culture across the archipelago. However, traditional tattoos are an essential part of that heritage. I prioritised Borneo because of its vast ethnic diversity and the urgency of preserving these traditions while the Dayak elders, who still carry this knowledge, are alive. If we don’t document it now, we risk losing its essence forever.
Additionally, the accessibility in Kalimantan is challenging, making the process time-consuming. But for us, it’s not a problem. We believe in moving forward, slowly but surely.
What does the tattoo on your neck symbolise?
In 2017, during my research with the Iban people of West Kalimantan, I was honoured to be adopted by Kakek Kidau and Nenek Banyu. As a mark of acceptance, they bestowed upon me the Uker Degok tattoo. For the Iban, this tattoo holds profound significance. It marks the transition into adulthood and is the first tattoo before receiving the Bunga Terong on both shoulders.
More than that, the Uker Degok is a visual representation of a butterfly resting on a tree, a symbol of transformation. Kakek Janggut explained its deeper meaning to me: the tattoo represents a mother because the neck is the source of breath, a connection to life itself.
The tattooing process was a sacred ritual performed in a traditional Rumah Panjang (longhouse) and witnessed by the community. Offerings were made to Petara (the divine) by elders such as Kakek Janggut, Kakek Kudi, Kakek Kidau, and Kakek Ramping. The first tap was made by Kakek Kudi, followed by Bang Muling and Bang Apat. It took around 5–6 hours to complete, with breaks in between.
For me, this tattoo is more than just ink—it is a protective charm, a mark of my responsibility, and a symbol of the Bejalaispirit—the Iban philosophy of venturing into the world with strength and purpose.
During your expeditions across Indonesia, have you ever faced challenges that made you doubt your journey? How did you overcome them?
Every expedition is a search for knowledge, and we always seek guidance from the Creator, nature, and our ancestors. The universe has a way of guiding us, leading us to rare moments and unexpected encounters.
Sometimes, the journey is tough—damaged roads and unpredictable conditions test our resilience. But we have always received strength from our ancestors and blessings from nature to push forward.
Doubt does creep in at times; after all, I am only human. However, my unwavering belief in our mission keeps me going. We have always been met with kindness, and for that, we remain endlessly grateful.
In documenting cultures, do you follow ethical guidelines to ensure authenticity while avoiding exploitation?
Since my focus is on visual archiving, I always conduct in-depth research and field observation before capturing any imagery. This discipline ensures that our documentation accurately reflects reality.
Exploitation depends on the perspective of the viewer. A well-researched and heartfelt visual narrative speaks volumes about the dedication of the documentarian. Nowadays, many creators take shortcuts for instant results, sometimes disregarding traditional agreements within communities. In my view, the integrity of an artist is reflected in the work they produce.
What are your future aspirations or projects?
As I continue my journey, I don’t hold many expectations, I simply focus on what’s ahead. My creative process relies on intuition and opportunities presented by the universe. Of course, I dream of exploring and documenting the entirety of Indonesia, but I know that one lifetime is not enough. My biggest hope is to ignite the passion of future generations, inspiring them to carry this mission forward.
What has been the biggest challenge in your documentation work?
Funding remains the primary challenge. Nusantara Documentary is an independent and organic movement, largely self-funded with occasional support from brands and donors.
Have you considered taking your expeditions beyond Indonesia? If so, where would you go?
Our current focus remains on Indonesia because even a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to document its vast cultural richness. However, through our journeys, we’ve identified connections between different regions and ethnic groups. To validate our research further, we would need to study cultures beyond Indonesia that share similar patterns and histories.
I am particularly interested in visiting countries that house archives and artefacts related to Indonesia, such as the Netherlands. I’m also intrigued by Chinese influences on Indonesian culture—ranging from warfare to wood carving and lifestyle.
Looking at the projects and unique cultures you document, where do you find inspiration for your work?
My cultural awareness was instilled in me from a young age by my grandfather, making cultural preservation an integral part of my identity. With my artistic talents in visual arts and media, I have been able to express myself creatively in my documentation efforts. Over time, I began merging these skills to create documentaries.
I have always loved exploring forests and remote villages, which perfectly complements my passion for documentation. As the years have passed, I have continued to learn, drawing inspiration from senior creators in Indonesia and other countries who excel in both artistic creation and exploration.
What advice would you give to young Indonesians interested in cultural documentation?
When documenting traditions, especially those rooted in sacred customs, we must respect the process and avoid disrupting the ceremonies. Observation, communication, and cultural sensitivity are just as important as technical photography skills.
I hope that every documentary work created today will serve as a valuable visual archive for future generations. Let’s continue our creative journeys, each in our own way, to honour and preserve the heritage of our nation.
As the world rapidly modernises, the importance of cultural preservation cannot be overstated. Through his unwavering commitment, Bonfilio Yosafat is ensuring that Indonesia’s diverse heritage is documented and shared with the world. His work stands as a bridge between generations, inspiring young Indonesians to take pride in their roots and continue the mission of storytelling through visual archiving. With Nusantara Documentary expanding its reach, Bonbon remains steadfast in his dedication, proving that passion and perseverance can keep history alive for generations to come.
