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In the post-industrial and post-globalization era, Malaysia has been brought
to the international stage with successful infrastructure development and
progress in society that is worth celebrating. However, the nation's heritage,
such as traditional poetry, is gradually disappearing with the passage of time.
Various forms of entertainment, especially music and foreign films, have
infiltrated the domestic market and left a negative impact on the country's
literary works. If asked today's young generation, most of them are unaware of
traditional poetry, let alone appreciate it. Immediate action must be taken to
identify efforts to popularize traditional poetry among the people so that the
national heritage will not disappear easily.
The main initiative in ensuring that traditional poetry receives the attention
of the people is to empower the literature field in national education. The
Malay proverb says, "Bend the bamboo while it is still young." It means that if
we want to cultivate a generation that appreciates literary works like
traditional poetry, early education is essential. If observed, literature
subjects are elective and are often not selected by students because they are
deemed irrelevant for their future. Therefore, the Malaysian Ministry of
Education should investigate a better education system to ensure that the
country's heritage and culture in the past are not taken for granted and left
behind. Adding topics related to literature and traditional poetry in the Malay
language subject is an effective way to leave a positive impact. As a result,
secondary and primary school students will be able to know and provide examples
of traditional poetry in their exam questions and daily lives.
In addition, the mass media also plays a crucial role in popularizing
traditional poetry among the people. Traditional poetry that encompasses pantun,
syair, gurindam, seloka, and folk tales usually touches on social issues.
Therefore, the mass media is an information platform that provides people with
what they need and want. For example, electronic media that broadcasts
television programs has an objective to entertain viewers. It would be great if
the program was infused with traditional poetry as a reference and education to
viewers to always practice pure values in life. Recently, the mass media has
been developed with the presence of social media, which is the primary visit of
conventional people regardless of place and time. Therefore, the authorities
should collaborate with the country's creative industry to form digital content
that highlights traditional poetry so that it remains relevant to the community
during this civilized era.
At the same time, traditional poetry will receive attention among the people if
an effective campaign is successfully organized. Various government agencies
related to arts and culture have been established, but their establishment has
not had a significant impact on the appreciation of art, especially traditional
poetry. A paradigm shift needs to be expressed by the relevant parties in
identifying ways to connect the community with the goal of conveying national
arts and culture. Before organizing a campaign, the organizer should approach
the community involved in the literary field, such as poets and reciters, and so
on. By obtaining input and feedback from those who truly appreciate this art and
culture, only then can the campaign be expanded to the general public.
Interactive competitions and the production of high-quality advertisements or
videos that meet the requirements of all parties can be implemented. Ultimately,
a good strategy can provide an effective campaign.
In conclusion, traditional poetry is a treasure of the nation that should not be
forgotten and left behind in the passage of time. The efforts of various parties
are essential to ensure that traditional poetry is widely known and appreciated
by society, especially the younger generation. Therefore, initiatives to empower
the literature field in national education, the mass media's role in providing
information, and effective campaigns that connect with the community involved in
the literary field are crucial efforts in popularizing traditional poetry among
the people. |
