Traditional Song From Indonesia

May, 04^th 2011

The traditional song of a country can tell us more about that culture. What is a famous traditional song in Indonesia? What is the song about, and why do you think it is so popular? Does it reflect Indonesian culture or beliefs in any way??

Answer::  Actually, many traditional song in Indonesia because Indonesia consists of many provinces with diverse cultures. But, the famous traditional song is “Rasa Sayange”, I think.

This song from one of province in Indonesia, is from  Maluku. This song about express their love for the environment and socialization among the people of Maluku. Lyrics of this song as a poem that shouted. This very famous because some years ago, exactly in October, 2007, government’s Malaysia claims that this song comes from their country. Didn’t last long, in November, 11^st 2007, this could finally be proven that the song "Rasa Sayange" belongs to Indonesia. This has already received recognition from the world too. This song was also sung in Hindi by Mohd Rafi and Lata Mengeshkar in Singapore 1960 film, starring Shammi Kapoor and Padmini. The song was also aired in Insulinde film, the film depicting the Dutch East Indies in 1937 – 1940.

Ya,, I think so. This song reflect Indonesian culture because Indonesian’s people have great social value and concern for others. This is the indigenous culture of Indonesian society, a sense of love.

**) The following lyrics to the song "Rasa Sayange":

*)Chorus:

Rasa sayange... rasa sayang sayange...
Eee lihat Ambon dari jauh rasa sayang sayange

Mana kancil akan dikejar, kedalam pasar cobalah cari...
Masih kecil rajin belajar, sudah besar senanglah diri

Si Amat mengaji tamat, mengaji Qur'an di waktu fajar...
Biar lambat asal selamat, tak kan lari gunung dikejar

Kalau ada sumur di ladang, boleh kita menumpang mandi...
Kalau ada umurku panjang, boleh kita berjumpa lagi