Tradisi “Merantau” Masyarakat Melayu Berdasarkan Puisi Tradisional(Pantun)

The Tradition of “Merantau” in the Malay Society based on Traditional Poetry (Pantun)

Abstract

The tradition of “migration” among the Malay community has its own characteristics and functions that has become a special tradition in their culture. This study touches on some of the Malay ethnic groups such as the Minangkabau, Mandailing and Bugis that exist in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to identify the thoughts and concepts of the tradition of migration among the Malays. The methodology includes the analytical study of Malay texts especially the Malay traditional poetry or the “pantun” in order to understand their concept of migration. The reference to the primary and secondary sources are also conducted to explain the impact of migration on the Malay community. The study shows that there exist differences in the thought and concept of migration but has the same aim of improving their standard of living, searching for knowledge or forced migration due to the pressure of life including war. It is observed that the tradition of migration has impacts on the change of status in society. The migrated Malays show their ability to influence the politics of the Palace and the government administration. It is observed that migration has improved the economic status of the Malay community, as it was the main aim of the process of migration.