Jun 18, 2012
“The Malaysian government’s biggest mistake is to formalize the dances."
VIVAnews – The Malaysian government plans to register Tor-tor dance and Paluan Gondang Sambilan dance from Mandailing, North Sumatra, as Malaysia’s cultural heritage. Malaysia’s decision to label two Indonesian cultures as theirs is deemed a huge mistake.
“The Malaysian government’s biggest mistake is to formalize the dances. That is certainly provocative and aggressive, culture-wise,” said a Professor of International Relations of the University of Indonesia, Hikmahanto Juwana, in a written statement on Monday, June 18.
The proposal to register the two dances was presented by the Mandailing community in Malaysia.
The Mandailing community that had migrated to Malaysia may have practiced embraced the heritage of their culture. However, the proposal is considered a mistake.
“It’s different from what have been practiced in happened in Indonesia for years in which the Indonesian Chinese community lives up to their culture, such as one concerning Barongsay. Nevertheless, the Indonesian government does not formalize it as their own,” he added.
In previous events, the Indonesian government often required some time to stem the public anger against Malaysia.
The Malaysian government’s plan is not in line with ASEAN solidarity and the desire to build the ASEAN community.
“The first action to take on the problem is that ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries should reach out to each other,” said Hikmahanto.
He expected that the Malaysian government will cancel their effort to formalize Tor-Tor and Paluan Gondang Sambilan dances in order to maintain the integrity of Indonesia-Malaysia relationship and the existence of ASEAN.
