‘Hena Masa Waya’
Moluccan Archive & Museum Maluku x Noah Tamaëla
Music production
The focus of this project was to create an audio composition that complements the archival footage, bringing it to life in a way that resonates with the emotional weight of the historical context. The goal was to not only match the visuals but also to incorporate traditional musical elements that are deeply rooted in Moluccan culture. This included the distinctive sounds of the tifa drum, cymbals, and layered choir harmonies. The tifa, with its rhythmic, percussive power, evokes the heartbeat of the Moluccan people, while the cymbals add a touch of ceremonial grandeur. The choir harmonies—rich and resonant—bring a sense of unity, as though echoing the voices of generations.
Hena Masa Waya is a song with profound historical and cultural significance. Originally a centuries-old Alfur (Alifuru) song, it was adopted as the national anthem of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS). It became a symbol of the Moluccan identity and struggle for independence. The song’s lyrics, though simple, carry deep meaning, capturing the aspirations of a people yearning for self-determination. In 1960, Hena Masa Waya was replaced as the national anthem by Maluku Tanah Airku..., but its place in the hearts and minds of many Moluccans remains intact, especially among those who still recall the anthem’s powerful resonance.
I personally remember the sounds of Hena Masa Waya long before I could even understand the words. It was something I grew up hearing in my home, a melody and rhythm that became ingrained in my memory. The song holds a special place in my family’s history, a link to our Moluccan heritage and the values passed down through generations. For us, it’s more than just a song—it’s a reminder of the struggles, resilience, and hopes of those who fought for the freedom of the Moluccan people, and a connection to the identity we continue to honor today.
“On April 25th 2025, it has been 75 years since the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) was declared on Ambon, led by figures such as Mr. Dr. Chris Soumokil and Ir. Johan Manusama. To this day, many Moluccans in the Netherlands commemorate this event. The national 75th celebration of the proclamation of the RMS will take place this year in Den Bosch.
The young Indonesian republic sought to form a unified state, which did not include room for the RMS. Moluccans in the Netherlands organized actions and demonstrations to raise awareness for the RMS. Other groups sought to bring the issue to an international stage. In this video, you can see archival footage of a demonstration at the United Nations in New York, where Moluccans voiced their support for the RMS. Among them: Isaac Julius Tamaëla.
Tamaëla (1914–1978) was a Moluccan military leader who fought for the independence of the RMS. As a former KNIL officer, he became an advisor to the RMS army after the proclamation in 1950. After the execution of President Soumokil in 1966, the RMS government in the Netherlands appointed Manusama as his successor. However, in 1968, Tamaëla received a letter stating that Soumokil had appointed him as his successor. Tamaëla declared himself president of the RMS in exile and worked to gain international support. He conducted an active RMS lobby at organizations including the United Nations in New York. Eventually, the African state of Benin recognized the RMS as an independent state with Tamaëla as president.
From that moment on, supporters of Manusama and Tamaëla emerged. Both presidents had their own security forces: Tamaëla's commandos and Manusama's Pedjagaan Keamanan Corps. There was also a group of young Moluccans who positioned themselves independently. Notably, during Action Wassenaar (August 1970), young people from both factions worked together. They demonstrated that, despite their differences, it was possible to unite in the fight for a common goal.”
Footage: RMS demonstration in New York, 1969 – Tamaëla family archives
Music: Hena Masa Waya – Noah Tamaëla, grandson of Isaac Julius Tamaëla