Preserving Malay arts through annual gathering<\/p>\n
By Fadli<\/p>\n
BATAM, Riau (JP): Former prominent Malay figure Hang Tuah once
\nsaid that the Malay culture would never be lost. Now, it would
\nseem that the preservation of Malay culture is indeed confronted
\nwith difficult challenges in the face of modernization.<\/p>\n
Malay people fear that one day they will have to give up their
\nown land as a result of their failure to cope with globalization.<\/p>\n
\"We don't want to take the risk of being treated like Betawi
\nnatives (in Jakarta), who have been cornered in their own home.
\nWe aim to act as the host in our own land, with culture and arts
\nas the basis of appreciation for this position,\" said Samson
\nRamba Pasir, chairman of the Batam Arts Council, during the Third
\nKenduri Seni Melayu (Malay arts gathering) being held from Sept.
\n5 to Sept. 10.<\/p>\n
\"We really hope the provincial administration will give
\ntypically Malay features to the buildings and street names in
\nBatam.<\/p>\n
\"We want to preserve this cultural nuance, as Batam has been
\nstruggling in the glitter of modernization, so that attention
\nmust be given to the genuine Malay culture,\" said Samson, who is
\nalso deputy coordinator of the gathering.<\/p>\n
He described the Malay culture as open in nature, with
\nlanguage, arts and religion as its essence.<\/p>\n
Art performances, discussions on arts, and Malay cultural
\nexhibitions were the three main components of the gathering. The
\nevent -- organized by the Council and the Center for Malay
\nCulture and Language Studies at Riau University -- was not only
\nattended by local Malay artists and cultural experts but also
\nguests from neighboring countries Singapore and Malaysia.<\/p>\n
Among the art events held at the annual event was Mak Yong, a
\ntraditional dance originating in Batam island. It also featured a
\ndiscussion on the presence and future of Malay culture and
\ntraditions and displayed various Malay handicrafts and paintings.<\/p>\n
'Ghazal'<\/p>\n
The gathering also presented ghazal, a blend of Malay
\nclassical music and Middle-East culture.<\/p>\n
The council's music section chairman, Jaini, said the rhythm
\nand intonation of ghazal music and songs had special rules and
\nmethods of expression that had to be followed.<\/p>\n
Employing a number of instruments, such as six-stringed Arabic
\nguitars, tambourines and harmoniums, the music produced should
\nform a harmony with the way lyrics are sung.<\/p>\n
\"Any failure on the part of musicians to produce the right
\ntone will considerably affect the singers' performance, even
\nthough only a single rhythm is involved,\" Jaini said.<\/p>\n
The troupe of Johor, Malaysia, won the ghazal competition
\nfollowed by host Batam and Karimun regency.<\/p>\n
Jaini said that Riau's ghazal was seen by foreign contestants
\nas the best in the southern Malay area because it had not been
\ninfluenced in any way, unlike in the two other countries.<\/p>\n
\"Malaysia was able to win because they get full support from
\nthe government. They can perform to their best, but our musicians
\nhave similar quality to them,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The gathering also exhibited different kinds of Malay cuisine,
\nespecially the common dish of laksama mengamuk, which is wild
\nmango cooked in coconut milk.<\/p>\n
Batam Mayor Nyat Kadir said the local administration fully
\nsupported the gathering, as they fear the impact of urban
\nenhancement in connection with the strategic geographic location
\nin relation to neighboring countries.<\/p>\n
\"Batam should not lose its identity. Its culture must remain
\nthe basis of typical characteristics. Therefore, we hope the
\ngathering has a role in preserving the Malay culture,\" stressed
\nKadir, who is also a prominent Malay figure.<\/p>\n
Samson explained that the gathering was first staged for three
\ndays in September 1999, with only the province's six regencies --
\nPekanbaru city, Riau islands, the regencies of Kampar, Indragiri
\nHilir, Indragiri Hulu and Batam -- participating.<\/p>\n
\"The idea came from the arts council after observing the
\nerosion of Malay cultural values as an impact of Batam's economic
\nadvancement, and thus appealed to the administration for a return
\nto the spirit of native culture,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The successful event in 1999 was followed by another last
\nyear, which attracted a larger number of participants and
\nreceived financial support from the Batam Authority.<\/p>\n
This year's gathering cost the organizers Rp 350 million
\n(US$38,000) and was assisted by the Authority and local
\nadministration.<\/p>\n
\"The cost is no match for the cultural erosion resulting from
\nBatam's rapid progress. The indigenous Malay culture, rather than
\nthat of settlers, should be the identity,\" Samson said.<\/p>",
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