Ross Tapsell, an expert on Indonesian media at the Australian National University, the sometimes-strained relations between the two countries is nothing new. In 2009, a Malaysian tourism ad featuring the Indonesian pendet dance created an uproar, prompting Kuala Lumpur's tourism ministry to issue a formal apology claiming a mix up with the production company.Ĭlaims over other cultural practices such as wayang kulit - traditional shadow puppets - batik and even satay, have fueled the ongoing cultural war.Īccording to Dr. Malaysia says it was only recording, not claiming, the heritage of Sumatra’s Mandailing people, some of whom have lived in Malaysia for more than a century.īut to outraged Indonesians, the claims are the latest addition to a long list of provocative acts of cultural piracy. Mandailing society, because, you know, there is no culture independent, no cultural original every culture is influenced with other cultures." “Tortor and gordang sembilan already exist before Indonesia or Malaysia exist," he said. One Indonesian legislator, a North Sumatran native, even said that every now and again Malaysia should be “bombed” to keep it in check.īut well-known Indonesian poet and art curator Sitok Srengenge says the dance and the drums pre-date territorial borders. The Indonesian Education and Cultural Ministry has demanded a written explanation, while angry demonstrators have thrown eggs and stones at the Malaysian embassy. Located on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the Mandailing region is better known for its rich highland coffee beans than gordang sambilan - a nine-drum ensemble sacred to the local Batak tribe.īut the traditional instrument has become embroiled in a fierce cultural debate after Malaysia announced it was adding the drums and the traditional tortor dance - both originally from Mandailing, Indonesia - to its national heritage list. A long-standing cultural spat between Indonesia and Malaysia has re-ignited this week, sparking fierce debate over who owns culture. JAKARTA - They may be close neighbors, but they are not always close allies.
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