Indonesian “Rasa Sayang” Malaysian

The folk song "Rasa Sayang," or "Feeling of Love," used in Malaysia's "Truly Asia" tourism campaign has struck a discordant note among Indonesian and Malaysian. Indonesian strongly believes the tune belongs to their country, considering suing Kuala Lumpur, which could turn into a diplomatic spat between the countries.

Indonesian Tourism and Cultural Minister Jero Wacik said Wednesday (October 3, 2007) he was investigating whether Indonesia could claim copyright and had scheduled a meeting with legislators, one of whom has called for legal action against Kuala Lumpur.

Indonesian House of Representatives member Hakam Naja said Jakarta should consider action against Malaysia for using Rasa Sayang in a campaign to mark the country's 50th anniversary currently running on radio, television and online.

"We want a proportional response," said Hakam on Wednesday. "We ask the ministry to sue Malaysia, but only after checking the origin of the song. We should not let other countries misuse any of our national heritages."

However, Malaysian Tourism Minister Adnan Mansor was quoted by The Star and New Straits Times Wednesday saying that the song had its origin in both countries.

“It is a folk song from the Nusantara (Malay Archipelago) and we are part of the Nusantara," he was quoted as saying.

"Indonesia cannot claim that the song is theirs," Adnan said. "As far as I know, we have been singing the song for ages," he said.

Malaysian Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Rais Yatim has rejected Hakam's allegations and warned Indonesia that a law suit could hurt bilateral ties, the national Bernama news agency said.

The song has its roots in the Malay Archipelago which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, southern Thailand and Brunei, and is also sung by people in southern Africa and Sri Lanka, Rais told reporters.

"Indonesia or other parties will not be able to prove who the composer of the song was," he said in the report. "If Indonesia wants to pursue the matter, it will face a dead end and will also affect Malaysia-Indonesia relations."