Preserving Malay arts through annual gathering

By Fadli

BATAM, Riau (JP): Former prominent Malay figure Hang Tuah once said that the Malay culture would never be lost. Now, it would seem that the preservation of Malay culture is indeed confronted with difficult challenges in the face of modernization.

Malay people fear that one day they will have to give up their own land as a result of their failure to cope with globalization.

"We don't want to take the risk of being treated like Betawi natives (in Jakarta), who have been cornered in their own home. We aim to act as the host in our own land, with culture and arts as the basis of appreciation for this position," said Samson Ramba Pasir, chairman of the Batam Arts Council, during the Third Kenduri Seni Melayu (Malay arts gathering) being held from Sept. 5 to Sept. 10.

"We really hope the provincial administration will give typically Malay features to the buildings and street names in Batam.

"We want to preserve this cultural nuance, as Batam has been struggling in the glitter of modernization, so that attention must be given to the genuine Malay culture," said Samson, who is also deputy coordinator of the gathering.

He described the Malay culture as open in nature, with language, arts and religion as its essence.

Art performances, discussions on arts, and Malay cultural exhibitions were the three main components of the gathering. The event -- organized by the Council and the Center for Malay Culture and Language Studies at Riau University -- was not only attended by local Malay artists and cultural experts but also guests from neighboring countries Singapore and Malaysia.

Among the art events held at the annual event was Mak Yong, a traditional dance originating in Batam island. It also featured a discussion on the presence and future of Malay culture and traditions and displayed various Malay handicrafts and paintings.

'Ghazal'

The gathering also presented ghazal, a blend of Malay classical music and Middle-East culture.

The council's music section chairman, Jaini, said the rhythm and intonation of ghazal music and songs had special rules and methods of expression that had to be followed.

Employing a number of instruments, such as six-stringed Arabic guitars, tambourines and harmoniums, the music produced should form a harmony with the way lyrics are sung.

"Any failure on the part of musicians to produce the right tone will considerably affect the singers' performance, even though only a single rhythm is involved," Jaini said.

The troupe of Johor, Malaysia, won the ghazal competition followed by host Batam and Karimun regency.

Jaini said that Riau's ghazal was seen by foreign contestants as the best in the southern Malay area because it had not been influenced in any way, unlike in the two other countries.

"Malaysia was able to win because they get full support from the government. They can perform to their best, but our musicians have similar quality to them," he said.

The gathering also exhibited different kinds of Malay cuisine, especially the common dish of laksama mengamuk, which is wild mango cooked in coconut milk.

Batam Mayor Nyat Kadir said the local administration fully supported the gathering, as they fear the impact of urban enhancement in connection with the strategic geographic location in relation to neighboring countries.

"Batam should not lose its identity. Its culture must remain the basis of typical characteristics. Therefore, we hope the gathering has a role in preserving the Malay culture," stressed Kadir, who is also a prominent Malay figure.

Samson explained that the gathering was first staged for three days in September 1999, with only the province's six regencies -- Pekanbaru city, Riau islands, the regencies of Kampar, Indragiri Hilir, Indragiri Hulu and Batam -- participating.

"The idea came from the arts council after observing the erosion of Malay cultural values as an impact of Batam's economic advancement, and thus appealed to the administration for a return to the spirit of native culture," he said.

The successful event in 1999 was followed by another last year, which attracted a larger number of participants and received financial support from the Batam Authority.

This year's gathering cost the organizers Rp 350 million (US$38,000) and was assisted by the Authority and local administration.

"The cost is no match for the cultural erosion resulting from Batam's rapid progress. The indigenous Malay culture, rather than that of settlers, should be the identity," Samson said.