The Traditional Malay Kite Way: Community Innovation for Preservation of Arts and Culture and Local Wisdom in Southern Border Provinces

Abstract

The qualitative research aims to study the patterns and creative activities in the Malay indigenous kite competition for preserving indigenous arts and culture in the southern border provinces and to study the patterns and elements of the peaceful community innovation in the area the of ​​kite way. Data were collected by using in-depth interviews with key informants. The findings of this study revealed that 1) forms and creative activities in the traditional Malay kite competition for the preservation of the indigenous arts and culture in the southern border provinces used a model aimed at conserving, promoting, transferring and continuing the art type with “Traditional Malay kites” used as the main elements of the theme and activities in the event. The emphasis is also on such conservation and transference focusing on creating atmosphere by using the competition and the traditional Malay kite contest. There were many activities, such as exchanging knowledge about Malay kites, workshops of kites, kite flying, storytelling from kite teachers, and watching outdoor movies. 2) The form of the peaceful innovative community on the kite way area was a pattern under the concept of “seeking common points and preserving differences”, with traditional Malay kites as the mechanisms and tools to drive for peace in coexistence. There were 5 components of the peaceful community innovation in the area of ​​the kite way: 1) the gathering of people, 2) creative activities, 3) the value of arts and culture and local wisdom, 4) kite teachers, ancestors and village sage, and 5) supporting factors.