AS Malaysia takes the helm in chairing ASEAN 2025 this year, a key focus lies on fostering unity within the ASEAN Community. One powerful avenue for achieving this unity that is often overlooked is through the rich tapestry of epic legends and folklore that have been handed down through generations in the region.
These ancient texts, such as the Merong Mahawangsa, The Malay Annals, and Negarakertagama, for instance, offer profound insights into our history, literature, and heritage. By sharing these narratives through collaborations on publications, films, and theatrical performances, we can promote mutual understanding, appreciation, and respect among ASEAN countries for each other’s cultures. Such initiatives not only enhance cultural cooperation but also nurture a sense of shared identity within the region.
Our heritage and stories have endured for centuries. Throughout the Malay Archipelago and beyond, there are ancient text – on stone tablets or inscriptions, in manuscripts, on daun lontar (palm leaves) that are remarkably long lasting, a record of our literature, history and heritage. All over the world, culture is presented in folklore and folktales to represent wisdom and heritage. For that alone, this heritage is priceless.
Taking it further, our legends and folklore have a huge economic impact through the tourism and creative industry. People connect through stories. They remember moments and places better when there is a story told. This will help in making our destinations unique, mesmerising and memorable.
The significance of hikayat. Heritage. History. in strengthening ASEAN bonds
Diving deeper into one of these epics, the Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa stands out as a compelling example of a story that transcends time. This epic narrative, brought to life through various mediums like film adaptations and theatre performances (most recently, Sakti Merong Mahawangsa by Alumni ASWARA), illustrates the values of leadership, courage, pioneering spirit and diplomacy that have resonated through centuries.
On top of that, our hikayat is very cosmopolitan in nature and takes on a worldly outlook. The Malay Archipelago was very aware of its role as crossroads between the east and the west. In Merong Mahawangsa for instance, it very cleverly placed Kedah on the same page with Rome and China, two very old civilisations of the world, and shows the importance of Kedah since olden days. When we see this corroborated in our archaelogical findings, for instance Sg Batu by Datuk Dr Mokhtar Saidin, and in Bukit Choras recetly by Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, all the more reason this heritage must be preserved.
Lessons from the Malay manuscripts and Javanese Kakawin Poems
Similarly, Malay Manuscripts like Sulalatus Salatin (The Malay Annals) which was recognised by UNESCO for its portrayal of the region’s 15th and 16th century history in the era, shed light on the rise and fall of the Melaka Sultanate, offering lessons in leadership and governance that remain pertinent to this day. Through its portrayal of alliances, betrayals, and the rise and fall of a multitude of kingdoms like Gangga Nagara, Samudera Pasai and Cham in the region, this text serves as a repository of historical wisdom for future generations.
Three most important Javanese kakawin would be the Negarakertagama, Pararaton and Kakawin Sutasoma, all ranging about 1200 years old. There is a lesson to be learned on how Indonesia uses its ancient text to strengthen its identity until today. The motto for Indonesia for instance, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – Unity in Diversity for instance is taken from the Kakawin Sutasoma by Mpu Tantular and enshrined in Infonesia’s constitution. Gadjah Mada’s Sumpah Palapa from the Pararaton was a clarion call how important it was to unite the region from Sunda to Bali, Pahang to Tumasik, Tanjungpura to Haru.
Preserving and pPromoting cultural heritage
In our quest to preserve and promote these narratives, it is essential to tap into the vast repository of manuscripts that hold untold stories waiting to be uncovered. By exploring and transcribing these manuscripts, we can unlock a treasure trove of wisdom that can enrich our understanding of our shared heritage.
It is critical that we preserve ancient scripts like Jawi, Kawi, Rencong and Pallava, Thai and Chamaic languages so that these ancient texts do not disappear before we can study and gain insight from them.
Imagine, if Jean Francois Champollion did not publish his first breakthrough in the decipherment of the Rosetta hieroglyphs in 1822, the legends and history of ancient Egypt would have been lost to us forever. Up to the 18th century, no one had any clue about the history of Egypt as the language had been forgotten.
We cannot let this happen to our own heritage of languages.
Embracing diversity through stories
Southeast Asia is a very old region which is reawakening to its full potential. In a world where diversity is celebrated, our literature and culture serve as bridges that connect us to our past, our neighbors, and ourselves. Our stories help us understand and respect each other. Just as Indonesia draws strength from its ancient kakawin texts to be the bedrock of its national identity, ASEAN nations can leverage their shared narratives to foster unity amidst diversity. Why reinvent when you have a beautiful legacy which have withstood centuries.
By delving into the depths of our traditions, we not only honor our shared history but also pave the way for a brighter, more interconnected future for ASEAN proud of our own literature and cultures.
The KEPULAUAN MELAYU Ensiklopedia Berilustrasi Tamadun Dunia Silam and soon to be released BEYOND THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ancient Southeast Asia by Hikayat Fandom are both beautiful representations of the best in Southeast Asia. With articles and contributions from 19 academicians and world experts from six countries, these books are the perfect gift for Malaysians and visitors to appreciate our enchanting region in 2025.
