Honouring Heritage For Tomorrow's Legacy
Established since 2016, ‘Rentak Selangor’ programme aims to revitalize the intangible cultural heritage found in Selangor, from old traditions that survived the test of time, to the modern-style live performances enjoyed by youngsters. How does the programme do it? It is by providing an engaging platform that showcases local art performances and allowing eye-opening discussions between cultural heritage experts from various communities within the state.
Rentak Selangor Live @ Warisan Hall Studio
Saksikan persembahan sebahagian kecil kepelbagaian kebudayaan, seni dan muzik tradisi serta kontemporari yang diamalkan makmur di negeri Selangor.
Pertama kali bersiaran secara di dalam talian pada 21 Februari 2021 yang dirakam di Studio Warisan Sound di Sijangkang, Selangor.
The diversity and assimilation
Diverse Cultures and Traditions Add Vibrancy and Colour to Selangor
Selangor is the epitome of cultural melting pot of various ethnic groups such as the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli (Peninsular Malaysia’s aboriginals), Javanese, Banjar, Bugis and Minangkabau. Each upholds a unique cultural identity formed through customs and traditions that are passed down from one generation to another. One facet of these thriving legacies is their unique performing arts.
Who We Are
The ‘Rentak Selangor‘ programme is the collaboration between the Committee of Rural and Traditional Villages Development, Malay Customs, Culture and Heritage; the Selangor State Government State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), and the Majlis Kebudayaan Negeri Selangor (MKNS) as well as Gaya Travel Magazine. It is hoped that the programme can create awareness towards Selangor’s cultural diversity and turns the state into a hub for art, culture, and national heritage.
Great People. Amazing Cultures. Beautiful Places.
Rhythms in Selangor
The performing arts found in Selangor are often cultural expressions that honour the values or ways of life practiced by each community.
Caklempung
This traditional percussion music was brought to Malaysia by the Minangkabau people who hailed from West Sumatra. It comprises bamboo flute, gereteh (the percussion that makes the melody), sauwa and tingkah (percussions to produce homophony), rebana (Malay tambourine) and gong.
Batara Dance
This dance expresses the commoners’ respect and gratitude towards the ruler, befitting the ruler’s role back when he was venerated as the ‘Khalifah’ (ruler) of earth.
Makan Sirih Dance
This is a Malay classical dance often performed to welcome guests during special occasions, offering them a sheaf of sirih (betel leaf) nicely presented in tepak sirih (special betel leaf case).
Maduppa Bosara
Maduppa refers to a traditional tray, while Bosara means the tray cover; these items are used in the dance to place various traditional kueh (sweetmeats) to serve the guests during special occasions.
Zapin Zapana
This upbeat dance is inspired by a silat (traditional martial art) called Cemara Bugis, believed to be able to awaken the spirit of Bugis warriors among youths of Bugis descent.
Keroncong
Keroncong takes the inspiration from the Portuguese’s music culture such as Moresco or Fado, and originally used to depict the injustices faced by the Portuguese during the Dutch invasion of Indonesia.
Kolattam Dance
A folk Indian dance accompanied by sticks being struck together in unison by the dancers, often performed during festivals.
PMO Chinese Orchestra
Despite having similarities with the western symphony orchestra, Chinese orchestra features traditional musical instruments such as erhu, pipa, dulcimer, and bamboo flute.
Tor-Tor Dance
This traditional dance originated from the Batak Tribe of North Sumatera, often performed during funerals and to heal the wounded.
Bunga Tanjung Dance
Bunga tanjung (also known as Spanish cherry) has been recognised as the official flower of Selangor since the 1700s. The dance is performed by women to represent the gracefulness and preciousness of the Malay ladies, similar to the delicate and beautiful nature of the flower.
Poja Dance
This Bugis-originated dance was initially performed to worship spirits before the arrival of Islam, which afterwards was altered to entertain the Sultan.
Pattennung
The dance pays homage to Bugis women’s specialty, which is weaving, incorporating movements that imitate the acts of traditional weaving.
Cempuling
Originated from Java and then brought to Selangor by Sunan Kalijaga, Cempuling is a folk music that incorporates lessons, wisdom and advice played during social gatherings.
Urumi Melam
This performance is played during religious ceremonies and processions, widely believed to possess supernatural and sacred power that could summon spirits and deities.
Mah Meri’s Jo’oh Dance
This elaborate performance is a way for the Mah Meri to invite ancestral spirits to join in the festivity. It also features an expressive mask popularly associated with the tribe, believed to embody the spirit of Moyang Gadeng (a Mah Meri female spirit guardian).
24 Seasons Drum
This is a Malaysian musical performance consisting of 24 large drums called shigu to represent the agricultural seasons according to Chinese Calendar.
Speech by YAB Dato' Menteri Besar Selangor
Rentak Selangor is a direct effort in providing a new perspective and fresh interpretation of Selangor’s treasures and legacy.
“Oftentimes, we hear how the culture of Selangor will eventually collide with global geopolitical influences towards a universal multipolar system. This surely demands our indomitable spirit whenever there is a clash between preserving our own interests and giving into diplomacy.
Indeed, such spirit is rooted in our cultural heritage that draws from deep inspiration and resilience. Thus, the manifestation of creativity found in the Rentak Selangor program is a direct effort in providing a new perspective and fresh interpretation of the state’s treasures and legacy, especially as a brain fodder for the next generation who will inherit the civilisation and heritage that we leave behind.”
“Seringkali kita dengar bagaimana rumpun budaya negeri Selangor ini lambat laun akan berhadapan dengan perkembangan geopolitik dunia yang menjurus ke arah sistem sejagat yang multi-polar. Hal ini sudah tentu menuntut kekuatan di dalam diri kita apabila berlakunya pertembungan antara memelihara kepentingan kita dan menghormati diplomasi kelak.
Sesungguhnya kekuatan ini dapat digali daripada khazanah budaya kita yang menyimpan sumber inspirasi yang mendalam. Oleh itu, penzahiran kreativiti di dalam program seperti Rentak Selangor ini adalah satu upaya untuk memberikan perspektif baru serta pentafsiran segar terhadap khazanah negeri terutama sekali bagi santapan minda generasi muda yang bakal mewarisi peradaban serta warisan yang kita tinggalkan kepada mereka.”
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari
Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor/Chief Minister of Selangor
Speech by YB Selangor State Executive Councilor (EXCO) for Rural and Traditional Villages Development, Malay Customs, Culture and Heritage
‘Rentak Selangor’ Rejoices the Diverse Ethnic and Colourful Backgrounds of Those Who Now Call the State Home.
“Rentak Selangor rejoices the diverse ethnic and colourful backgrounds of those who now call the state home. We can see many ethnic groups in Selangor, such as the Bugis, the Banjar, the Javanese, the Rawa, and the Mandailing, not forgetting those from other parts of Asia.
They hailed from various places and brought with them their customs, which over time had assimilated into the community or had adapted to the local setting.
Therefore, we want to celebrate these through the Rentak Selangor program by gathering these cultures and presenting them to the public. This is one of the state government’s efforts in highlighting our cultural treasures, as well as supporting the artists and industry players within the state who continue to uphold our culture tirelessly.”
“Di Selangor ini, kita dapat lihat terdapat banyak suku kaum. Contohnya suku kaum Bugis, Jawa, Rawa dan Banjar. Mereka datang dari pelbagai tempat ke negeri ini dan membawa bersama budaya mereka, yang kemudiaannya berasimilasi ke dalam komuniti kita.
Jadi melalui program Rentak Selangor ini, kita satukan budaya-budaya ini dan persembahkan kepada masyarakat umum. Ini merupakan salah-satu usaha kerajaan negeri untuk menaikkan budaya-budaya ini, serta membantu penggiat seni yang tidak pernah lelah untuk terus memartabatkan budaya kita.”
Yang Berhormat Tuan Borhan bin Aman Shah
Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Pembangunan Luar Bandar & Kampung Tradisi dan Adat Istiadat Melayu, Kebudayaan & Warisan / Selangor State Executive Councilor (EXCO) for Rural and Traditional Villages Development, Malay Customs, Culture and Heritage
