JOHOR BARU: The issue on whether “kuda kepang” belongs to Malaysia or Indonesia is a subjective matter, said Johor Heritage Foundation.
Its director Mohd Shahrin Rahmat said this was because the people of the two nations were of one origin (serumpun).
Besidesw, he said, there had been a lot of cross-migration by the people of both countries over time.
"Kuda kepang is a culture that is synonymoue with the Javanese people. When the Javanese migrated to Malaysia, especially Johor, they brought along their culture, including kuda kepang, and practise it at their new home.
"Kuda kepang has long been practised in Johor. Even now, if you go to villages where the Javanese community lives, you can still see kuda kepang being performed," he said.
Shahrin was commenting on the debate that has erupted on social media after Malaysia's contestant at the Miss Grand International pageant in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, is expected to wear a costume inspired by kuda kepang.
It has been reported in various media that Indonesians are angered by the “Kuda Warisan” costume that is expected to be worn by Miss Grand Malaysia 2017 Sanjeda John at the pageant, accusing Malaysia of staking a claim on one of Indonesia's culture.
Kuda kepang is also known as “Kuda lumping” by the Javanese of Indonesia.
It has also been reported that the organiser of the pageant acknowledged that the costume was inspired by the Javanese community in Johor.
"We took this bold step to portray our country's unique and diverse culture and heritage due to its historical landscape.
“It is all about celebrating diversity and educating resemblance due to the unique history we share especially in this region," Jude Benjamin Lisa, the national director of the Miss Grand Malaysia Organisation, was quoted in the report.
According to the report, the costume was designed by Hana Yaakob, and was chosen from more than 50 entries from designers in Malaysia.