- ANTARA/Irsan Mulyadi
VIVAnews - Malaysia insisted on listing two typical Batak culture, Gordang Sambilan and Tor-tor dance into its National Heritage. The Malaysian Minister of Information and Culture, Rais Yatim, believed the protest reververated in Indonesia on the issue was unnecessary.
“This kind of issue has been subject of a debate earlier. It’s an old story and now it reoccurs,” said Rais as quoted from Bernama news agency, Bernama.
Rais said Malaysia is made up of various ethnic groups originating in many countries. So, he said, they are entitled to develop their ancestors’ culture in Malaysia.
However, Rais said that the protest from Indonesia is reasonable.
"We will acknowledge Tor-tor dance and the drum (Gordang) as we did earlier with Zapin, Dongdang Sayang, and Kuda Kepang," he said.
He mentioned that Kuda Kepang is a dance commonly practiced in Java and Johor.
To date, some Batak Mandailing ethnic groups in Malaysia proposed the said two cultural products to be listed Malaysia’s National Cultural Heritage. If successful, the group will be allocated budget to promote them. However, one of the set requirements to get the budget is that the proposed products must be periodically performed.
Ramli Abdul Karim Hasibuan, President of Persatuan Halak Mandailing Malaysia, denied allegation saying that Malaysia will claim Gordang and Tor-tor.
He said his organization has filed a petition to have the Malaysian government acknowledged Tor-tor dance and Gordang Sembilan. The effort is aimed at making possible the equality of Mandailing folk art with those from Java, Minang and Banjar.
