“It’s not just music—but memory, identity, and diplomacy all strung together.”
On a quiet evening in Johor Bahru, the soft pluck of a cuk and cak fills the air. The familiar sway of the keroncong rhythm, once the sound of colonial streets and royal gatherings, now echoes across generations and borders. What began as a fusion of Portuguese mestiço music and Malay sensibilities in the 16th century has become a living symbol of shared heritage between Indonesia and Malaysia—a reminder that melodies can connect hearts where politics sometimes divide.
A Shared Melody Across the Straits
Keroncong, often described as Southeast Asia’s oldest form of popular music, has long traveled across the Malacca Strait. It took root in Indonesia, where it evolved into a national symbol during the independence era. It later found its resonance in the courts of Johor and Penang in the early 20th century.
While Indonesia made keroncong part of its nationalist identity, in Malaysia it became refined—a reflection of elegance and nostalgia. Both countries represent unity in diversity—the spirit Southeast Asia stands for.
At the heart of keroncong lies hybridity. Its structure combines European harmonic progressions, Malay poetic forms, and local rhythmic nuances. Malaysian versions often incorporate ghazal melodies, muzik asli ornamentation, and subtle courtly aesthetics—creating a distinctly local yet regionally connected sound.
Reviving the Forgotten Strings
For years, keroncong risked fading into obscurity as younger generations turned to global pop and K-pop. But in recent times, universities and cultural bodies in Malaysia—including the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), and Yayasan Warisan Johor—have rekindled interest through workshops, academic research, and national festivals.
At the Malaysia International Keroncong Festival, students perform side by side with senior musicians from Indonesia, turning the stage into a vibrant display of regional solidarity. “We’re not just learning music,” says Nazmi, a young lecturer from UPSI. “We’re learning history, language, and respect for our shared culture. Every strum feels like a bridge between us.”
These revival efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By integrating traditional arts into education, Malaysia fosters creative learning that connects students to their roots while nurturing a sense of global citizenship.
