Original photo by Rika Tri Yunarti. Used by permission.

Since the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation in early ’60s (Konfrantasi), socio-political relationships between both countries have always been shaken. In August 2009, a tv-ad has sparked anger among Indonesian public. Perpetual provocation by Indonesian mass media and leaders; and Malaysians’ general ignorance of “Indonesian sensitivities” have caused prolonged cultural-spat among both peoples. Hateful name-calling; Malingsial and Indonesial are commonplace in hate groups propagated in cyberspace by citizens of both countries. And that does not stop there.

Enough already! Let’s reverse this in our classrooms, however minimal!

Teachers of both countries are encouraged to share ideas for balanced, well-informed values in classes. Let’s do this!

1. Related videos

Promo Enigmatic Malaysia (Discovery Channel Asia, Aug 2009)
Malaysia Klaim Tari Pendet Asal Bali (Metro Hari Ini, Aug 2009)
Malaysia Kembali Klaim Produk Budaya Indonesia (Metro Siang, 22 Aug 2009

2. Selected chronological news item & literature

Indonesian media accuse Malaysia of stealing Pendet dance (Bernama, 25 Aug 2009)
Discovery TV apologises for Pendet dance gaffe (Bernama, 26 Aug 2009)
Bali stages protest over ‘Pendet’ dance (The Jakarta Post, 26 Aug 2009)
Discovery Channel Responsible for the Pendet Dance Case (Tempo, 26 Aug 2009)
Let Malaysians advertise Pendet and wayang - Riyadi Suparno (The Jakarta Post, 27 Aug 2009)
Our Embassy in Jakarta receives bomb threat (Bernama, 28 Aug 2009)
Malaysia & Indonesia - Anak Nusantara (The Malaysian Insider, 29 Aug 2009)
Jakarta-KL ties hit another sour note (The Straits Times, 30 Aug 2009)
Indonesian hackers attack Malaysian websites (The Jakarta Globe, 31 Aug 2009)
Ganyang Malaysia? (The Malaysian Insider, 4 Sept 2009)
Song and dance over cultural heritage (PDF) - Farish A. Noor (The Straits Times, 4 Sept 2009)
Calls for ‘war’ in Indonesia-Malaysia dance spat (AFP, 16 Sept 2009)

3. Related literature

Who Told You Reog Came from Malaysia? (Associated Content - 24 April 2009)
Najib turns blind eye to anti-Malaysian protests (The Malaysian Insider - 2 Sept 2009)

4. Lesson plan: for Higher secondary/Pre-university level

Synopsis: Students are introduced to the issue through group-reading activity and will be more informed to have an honest discussion.

Lesson plan (coming real soon)

Slide: The Pendet Dance Controversy (PDF, 935 KB)
Notes on how to Distinguish Fact from Opinion (PDF, 696 KB)