Jakarta, IO – Nukila Evanty, Chairwoman of the Indigenous People’s Initiative (IMA), recently returned to Rempang, Riau Islands, driven by her passion for history, art, and culture. This time, her purpose was to support “Rempang Culture Day”, held on September 7, 2024. IMA dedicates itself to bolstering the traditions and wisdom of indigenous communities throughout Indonesia.
Nukila’s deep understanding of Rempang’s history highlights its rich heritage. The island has been inhabited since 1834, during the rule of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate—long before Indonesia’s independence. With 16 historic villages, spread across 16,583 hectares, including Tanjung Kertang, Rempang Cate, Pantai Melayu, Mongak, Pasir Panjang, Sembulang, Dapur Enam, Tanjung Banun, Air Lingka, and Galang Baru, Rempang and Galang are cultural gems with untapped potential.
However, its intangible cultural heritage, such as Malam Tujuh Likur, the centuries-old Malay tradition of lighting oil lamps during Ramadhan and exchanging pantun (traditional poetry), remains underrecognized by the government and UNESCO.
In the face of globalization, Rempang’s communities still preserve many cultural practices. Nukila emphasized that Batam’s local government has provided legal protection for traditional settlements like Perkampungan Cate, safeguarded under Batam’s regional planning laws, Batam Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 2 in 2004, and Batam Mayor Decree No. KPTS 105/HK/III/2004 concerning the determination of ancient villages in Batam City; hence, Rempang’s area and its ancient villages are to be protected for holding abundant historical, cultural and religious values.
Rempang’s indigenous people share cultural ties with Malays in Riau and Johor, Malaysia, tracing their roots back to the Lingga Malay Sultanate. The community consists of land-based and coastal people who have maintained their way of life for centuries.
What does IMA aim to achieve in preserving Rempang’s Malay culture? According to Nukila, the goal is to amplify the voices and needs of indigenous communities. “We found that many cultural expressions, like traditional singing, have faded away, despite their importance,” she stated. Such Lingual traditions and expressions as Gurindam, poetry, folklore, mantras, prayers, and songs have existed since the 19th century.
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One of these expressions is the Gurindam Dua Belas, a twelve-verse poem by Raja Ali Haji of Riau, covering such themes as life and religious values, the King’s obligations and society and moral conduct. Traditional dances from Riau, involving five to nine dancers doing the Tari Persembahan and Zapin Penyengat, also reflect Malay customs, along with Tari Makan Sirih, which symbolizes respect for honored guests. The dances embody philosophical values, such as politeness and modesty, which are deeply upheld by the Malay community.
Nukila stressed the importance of documenting and performing according to these traditions, to inspire younger generations. “I document and stage these performances so that the younger generation, especially Generation Z, can understand and take pride in this culture, ensuring the continuation of these traditions. I also hope the Government recognizes that beyond the land and seas of Rempang, beautiful culture and art exist, intertwined with the Indigenous people who safeguard this beloved Indonesian land. By showcasing Rempang’s beautiful blend of culture and people, we remind the nation of the richness of this island. If we do not preserve it, who will?” concluded Nukila. (des)