Deep in the emerald heart of Borneo, an island in the extreme southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, where mist dances over the ancient trees, and rivers carve their way through the land like silver veins, a song is rising. It is not the usual melody of the cicadas or the rhythmic drumming of the rain against the canopy. This is something new—a sound born from the plants themselves, singing in harmony with the world around them.
Among the towering giants of the rainforest, the Dayak children gather, their eyes wide with wonder. Their hands gently touch the leaves and vines that hum with life. A small device, PlantWave, no larger than a hand, captures the bioelectric signals coursing through the plants. With the help of sensors and microcontrollers, these invisible pulses are transformed into sound—raw, organic, and profoundly alive.
This is more than an experiment, it is a bridge between the ancient wisdom of the Dayak people and the boundless possibilities of modern science. It is music that carries the stories of the forest, whispers of old spirits, and the urgent plea for conservation. It is a call to listen—to truly listen—to nature.
Plorenthina Dessy of Yayasan Arus Kualan (Arus Kualan Foundation)
When science meets tradition
For generations, the Dayak people have lived in harmony with the forest, understanding its rhythms, language, and sacred silence. Their myths and folklore speak of spirits that dwell within the trees, of guardians who watch over the rivers and mountains. But now, as deforestation threatens their ancestral lands and modernisation encroaches upon their traditions, a new way to preserve their connection to the forest has emerged—through the fusion of art, science, and technology.
For over five years, Plorenthina Dessy and her siblings have been running Arus Kualan Traditional School, dedicated to conserving their land through the preservation of indigenous knowledge in arts, particularly dance and music. The school encourages children to engage with their elders and teaches them about the importance and uses of various plants, including their medicinal properties.
Three years ago, Dessy’s team collaborated with entrepreneurs and researchers, Mary Silaban and Irendra Radjawali, to incorporate technology into their educational approach. This partnership introduced equipment that captures plant ‘sounds’, allowing children to explore the intersection of science and their natural environment.
By capturing the bioelectric wave from plants, Plantwave transforms invisible signals into audible music. Each plant has a unique signature, a distinct frequency, and a personal song. A fern may whisper in soft, ethereal tones, while a sturdy tree may resonate with deep, grounding notes. Students in the community capture these ‘sounds’, and then mix them. The elders in the community share with the children the stories behind the names and significance of each plant they collect sounds from, so that each ‘song’ carries a story to tell and share.
It is more than just a project, it is a generational education. In a world where many of these children have limited access to formal schooling, this initiative brings them closer to science and technology in a way that feels natural, intuitive, and deeply personal. They do not just learn about electronics and sound waves; they feel them. They experience the unseen forces that shape the world around them, and in doing so, they become not just students, but creators, scientists, and storytellers.
Plorenthina Dessy of Yayasan Arus Kualan (Arus Kualan Foundation)
The sound of conservation and connection
Imagine listening to a song that carries the essence of an entire ecosystem. Imagine hearing a melody that intertwines the pulse of an ancient tree with the soft hum of a delicate flower. Every song we create is a reminder of the fragile balance of nature. When we listen, we do not just hear music, we hear the heartbeat of the forest.
Each melody is a testament to the importance of conservation, a plea to protect the lungs of our planet. Through these sounds, we remind the world that every tree felled is a voice silenced, every vanished species a note lost forever.
But beyond conservation, this music represents an even more profound connection. A connection between the indigenous wisdom of the Dayak people and the limitless potential of modern science. A connection between the young and the old, the past and the future. There is a connection between those who have always known the language of the forest and those who are just beginning to learn it.
Plorenthina Dessy of Yayasan Arus Kualan (Arus Kualan Foundation)
The desire to preserve, to protect, and to celebrate grows stronger with every note. We want the world to hear what we hear, to feel what we feel. We want people to understand that nature is not just something to be observed, it is something to be experienced, to be sung with, to be harmonised with.
Join the symphony of life
This is where you come in. This is an invitation—not just to listen, but to take part. To support these children in their journey of discovery. To amplify the voices of the forest. To spread this music far and wide so that it reaches the hearts of those who need to hear it most.
Very soon, the songs of the forest will be released, allowing you to experience the melodies of Borneo’s plants firsthand. These are not just sounds; they are voices of resilience, of tradition, of a future where indigenous wisdom and technology come together in harmony.
Stay tuned on GRP’s social media channels and Arus Kualan’s Instagram to hear the first-ever recordings of the forest’s music. Let the plants speak to you, let their songs inspire action, and let’s make sure these melodies never fade.
The forest is singing—will you be there to listen?