Inform us when using our songs

Putrajaya - Indonesia wants to be acknowledged when dances or songs originating from its culture are used by Malaysia.

It also wants the courtesy of being informed when "shared songs" like Rasa Sayang are used by Malaysia for commercial purposes, such as in the Tourism Malaysia campaigns.

Indonesian Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wachik said the government accepted Malaysia‘s explanation that it never made any official claims on dances like the barongan dance or Rasa Sayang, and that such claims were made by non-official parties.

"I already met Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim twice before this, and he said the Malaysian government has never claimed this song or that dance as belonging to Malaysia.

"But just mention that it is an Indonesian song. And if you use something for commercial purposes, no problem, just inform us. It‘s our shared heritage, it‘s just like informing your brother," Jero told Malaysian and Indonesian reporters on the sidelines of the Annual Indonesia-Malaysia Consultation, here.

A culture war of sorts erupted late last year when Indonesian media and arts activists criticised Malaysian cultural performances at official functions and in tourism campaigns, saying that the songs and dances belonged to Indonesia.

On batik, which was also disputed by the Indonesian press, Jero said the issue would be dealt with by culture representatives on the joint eminent persons group.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yesterday agreed to establish the group to monitor various contentious issues between the two countries.

"We will choose a wise person to represent (Indonesian) culture on this group. We won‘t choose a politician or someone who will make issues out of it, but someone who understands culture," Jero said.

He said there would be more arts and cultural missions between both countries.

Source: www.nst.com.my (12 Januari 2008)
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