Cultural Performances and the Integration between Siamese and Malay Society in Kampung Keluang, Besut, Terengganu

Abstract

This study is conducted to observe how cultural arts performance play the vital role in bridging two ethnics that differ in their cultural backgrounds and strengthen values of integration between Malays and Siamese in Kampung Keluang, Besut, Terengganu, one of the state in Malaysia. Cultural art performance acts as an element of symbolic to represent a group of society. Art performances in local context not only serve as a tool of escapism but also provide values of integration to a group of plural society. This study conducted in ethnography approach by applying two main techniques, namely joint observations and thematic interviews with the villagers in Kampung Keluang, Besut, Terengganu which consist of the Malays and Siamese, besides some other noteworthy individuals. The finding of the research shows that cultural shows still present in certain occasions or events and are seen as a mediator that forms mutual relationship between villagers of diverse cultural backgrounds. Nevertheless, some cultural presentations have long been forgotten and rarely demonstrated. Thus, this writing functions as a documentation of the uniqueness of cultural art shows possessed by the Siamese minority and hence be regarded as to how these arts boost the values of integration between Siamese and Malay communities toward the establishment of a harmonical plural society.