Ronggeng Revival in Kuala Lumpur: Rediscovering a Cultural Legacy

KUALA LUMPUR – The historic streets of Kuala Lumpur have long been home to a vibrant array of cultural expressions, from the iconic sounds of gamelan to the exuberant rhythms of kompang. Yet, for years, one form of performance art—Ronggeng—has quietly faded from the limelight. Now, thanks to the efforts of cultural scholars and performers like Prof. Mohd Anis Md Nor, Ronggeng is set to make a grand return, reconnecting Malaysians with a cherished aspect of their multicultural heritage.

The Art of Ronggeng: A Living Tradition

Ronggeng, a form of social dance and music, once flourished in the early 20th century, particularly in cosmopolitan centers like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Melaka. It was a form of communal gathering, where people of all races and classes came together, bridging divides through the universal language of music and dance. Speaking on its historical significance, Prof. Mohd Anis, Executive Director of the Nusantara Performing Arts Research Centre (NusPARC), describes Ronggeng as “a living tradition, not just about the dance or music, but about connecting people socially through shared cultural practices.”

Ronggeng performances are anchored in Malay music traditions, but they also integrate influences from Portuguese, Indian, and even Arab cultures, reflecting Malaysia’s long history as a crossroads of civilizations. The dance is traditionally accompanied by three distinct musical segments—slow, moderate, and fast—performed in cycles, with tunes like senandung, inang, and joget.

“The beauty of Ronggeng lies in how the songs are sung and the music played,” Prof. Anis explains.

“The dancing is secondary to the performance. The real art is in the singing, and it’s an open invitation—anyone can join in and sing.”

However, this deep connection to the music is what sets Ronggeng apart from other performance traditions. As Prof. Anis points out,

“You don’t have to be a professional dancer to participate in Ronggeng. It’s about social connectivity. In the past, it was a way for people of different ethnicities and backgrounds to engage with each other and with their shared heritage.”

Kuala Lumpur’s Historic Connection to Ronggeng

Kuala Lumpur, now a bustling metropolis, was once home to a thriving Ronggeng scene. Places like BB Park (where Lot 10 stands today) were central to the city’s cultural life, hosting Ronggeng performances that drew people from all walks of life.

“Ronggeng in KL was synonymous with the city’s entertainment landscape in the early 20th century,” says Prof. Anis.

“It was a social dance, enjoyed by all races, in places like BB Park’s amusement halls and cabaret clubs.”

But as modern entertainment evolved and new forms of music gained popularity, Ronggeng slowly receded into the background, and by the 1960s, it had nearly disappeared from Kuala Lumpur. The public began to associate it with more negative connotations, largely due to its association with dance halls and taxi dancers.

“There was this misconception that Ronggeng was deviant because it was linked to certain entertainment spaces,” Prof. Anis notes.

“But that’s an unfair judgment. Any art form can be misused, but Ronggeng itself is a cultural treasure that we need to revive and protect.”

Reviving a Forgotten Legacy

For Prof. Anis, the revival of Ronggeng is not just about preserving a cultural tradition—it’s about re-educating the public on its importance. With the support of organizations like Think City and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Prof. Anis and NusPARC are leading a movement to bring Ronggeng back into the mainstream.

“We’re starting small, with a series of performances across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Melaka, bringing Ronggeng back to its roots in public spaces,” he explains.

“Our next project is to revive regular performances at Central Market and other heritage locations in KL as a way to reconnect with the public and engage younger generations.”

This revival is more than just about putting on a show. Prof. Anis is keen to emphasize the need for education and awareness.

“You can’t just force tradition down the throats of the younger generation. You have to show them the value in it,” he says. “When they understand that value, they want to be part of the narrative. That’s how we keep these traditions alive—by making them relevant and accessible.”

Ronggeng’s revival is also part of a broader effort to highlight Kuala Lumpur’s potential as a creative city on the international stage. As Kuala Lumpur vies for recognition as a UNESCO Creative City, the return of Ronggeng could play a key role in showcasing the city’s unique cultural assets.

“We have such a rich, hybrid culture here in Malaysia,” Prof. Anis reflects.

“No other country in the world has what we have. And yet, sometimes we take it for granted. It’s time to change that narrative.”

A Nationwide Movement

Beyond Kuala Lumpur, Ronggeng is also being revived in other parts of Malaysia, particularly in Penang and Melaka, with its strong Portuguese and Baba-Nyonya traditions, has embraced Ronggeng as part of its cultural fabric for centuries. Prof. Anis is working closely with local cultural organizations to bring Ronggeng back to historic venues like the Penang Peranakan Mansion and Melaka’s Baba-Nyonya Museum.

“Melaka has always had a strong tradition of Ronggeng, blending Malay, Chetti, and Portuguese influences. We’re working to bring this tradition back to life, and in doing so, we’re helping people reconnect with their history,” Prof. Anis explains.

“It’s a tradition that’s been preserved for over 90 years, and it’s our responsibility to make sure it thrives for 90 more.”

The Future of Ronggeng: Keeping Traditions Alive

The future of Ronggeng looks bright, but its success depends on continued public interest and support.

“We’ve lost so many of our cultural practices over the years,” says Prof. Anis.

“We need to make sure that doesn’t happen with Ronggeng. It’s not just about the performance—it’s about who we are as Malaysians. Ronggeng is a reflection of our collective identity.”

As Prof. Anis and his team continue their work, the hope is that more Malaysians will come to appreciate the value of Ronggeng, not just as a relic of the past but as a living, breathing tradition that has a place in modern society.

“We have something truly special here,” he says.

“And if we don’t keep it alive, we risk losing a part of ourselves.”

With initiatives like the Pentas Seni Merdeka and the KL Creative Festival , and with dedicated cultural champions like Prof. Anis at the helm, the art of Ronggeng is poised for a renaissance, set to once again take center stage in Kuala Lumpur’s cultural scene.

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