Preserving Malay arts through annual gathering

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.