Resource: Melayu dan Islam
It is right to be in the mind of every individual who bleeds Malay or lives in the Malay community. Because, the Malay civilization that flourished in the Archipelago and Peninsula since thousands of years ago has recorded greatness through various aspects of life. From language, culture, culinary, to knowledge systems, the advancement of this civilization can be traced through authentic historical and academic evidence. Here is the review:
1. Language: Lingua Franca that Unites the Archipelago
Malay language has been the backbone of international communication in Southeast Asia since the 7th century AD. The inscriptions of Kedukan Bukit (683 M) and Talang Tuo (684 M) prove the use of Ancient Malay Language in administration and trade of the Government of Sriwijaya. According to linguist Asmah Haji Omar (2015), Malay language evolved into lingua franca due to its flexible nature, easily adaptable to Sanskrit, Arabic, and European vocabulary. The role of the Sultanate of Melaka (15th century) strengthened its position as a language of diplomacy, as recorded in Malay History (Sulalatus Salatin). Now, Bahasa Malay becomes the root of Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia, reflecting its eternal influence.
2. Culture: A Holistic Art and Social Systems
Malay arts like Mak Yong is not just entertainment, but full of spiritual values and education. UNESCO designated Mak Yong as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity (2005) for its narrative that blend mythology, ethics and traditional medicine. The legal system of customs such as the perpatih (matrilineal) custom and temenggung custom (patrilineal) show the sophistication of society management. Sociologist Syed Husin Ali (1975) explains that this custom emphasizes justice, natural balance, and collective rights—principles relevant to modern concepts of sustainability.
3. Culinary: A Heritage of Spices and Local Wisdom
Malay cuisine is the result of a long cultural dialogue. Spices like cloves and nutmeg, which have been traded since the Sriwijaya era, became the basis of dishes such as rendang recognized as the most delicious food in the world by CNN (2017). According to Jean Duruz and Gaik Cheng Khoo (2015), Malay culinary combines natural preservation techniques (example: acid in laksa) and medicinal functions, such as turmeric for anti-inflammatory. The Food of Malaysia (Wendy Hutton, 2014) book documents how generational recipes reflect harmony with nature.
4. Outfit: Symbol of Status and Identity
Traditional outfits like baju kurung and songket represent social strata and aesthetic finesse. Songket weaving using gold and silver threads, which according to Ismail Said (2003), contains symbolic geometric motifs such as cape flowers (fertility) and bamboo shoots (growth). UNESCO recognizes songket weaving as Intangible Cultural Heritage (2021). Colors like red (courage) and yellow (power) also indicate a deep philosophy of life.
5. Advice: Knowledge in Proverbs and Proverbs
Poetry, with its shadow structure and meaning, is an educational medium that combines logic and art. UNESCO included the poem in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List (2020) because of its role in weaving relationships between communities. Literary researcher Amin Sweeney (1987) asserts that this oral tradition is a "living library" that bridges generations.
6. Architecture: Harmony with Nature
Traditional Malay homes are designed with high pillars, natural ventilation and weather-resistant select wood materials. According to Mohamad Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi (2005), this structure shows ecological understanding, like a slanted roof for tropical rain drainage. Old mosques like Kampung Laut Mosque (18th century) using the beak technique (wooden cooking) without nails, proof of the intelligence of the Malay architect technique.
Closing: Knowledge-Centered Civilization
The height of Malay civilization is not only visible from physical monuments, but from the ability to adapt and maintain the balance between man, nature, and spiritual. Every aspect—from inclusive language to eco-friendly architecture—shows intellectually and socially advanced society. As historian Anthony Reid (2015) concludes in A History of Southeast Asia, the Malay triumphs are an example of how culture can survive through flexibility and resilience. This heritage should not only be preserved, but also be an inspiration for the sustainable development of today.
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