02 August 2025
Anita Kartika Pasaribu
FIB USU PR - On Saturday, August 2, 2025, the University of North Sumatra (USU) once again demonstrated its active role in preserving culture and promoting the creative economy through a Thematic Community Service (PKM) activity. This activity focused on "Improving the Quality and Marketing of Malay Ethnic Instrument Production Through Equipment Modernization and Empowerment of Pakpong Drum Craftsmen 'Rentak Serdang'." It was located in Binjai Bakung Village, Pantai Labu District, Deli Serdang Regency.
The success of this event was fully supported by various parties in attendance. They included Dharma (Representative of the North Sumatra Region II Cultural Preservation Center), Rizal (Chairman of the Deli Serdang Hangtuah Studio), Muhdi (Malay cultural practitioner and academic), Tengku Ryo Rizqan (Representative of the Indonesian Malay Scholars Association), Topan, AMK, SE. (Head of Binjai Bakung Village), Baizuri (Malay youth leader from Pantai Cermin), and other important figures such as Dr. Tengku Mira Sinar, M.A. (Representative of the Serdang Sultanate, Chairperson of the North Sumatra FSKN DPD) and Tengku Mohammad Ravy (Millennial FSKN).
Prof. Drs. Mauly Purba, M.A., Ph.D. (Vice Dean I of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, USU), who also serves as the Team Chair, emphasized the importance of collaboration between academics, cultural practitioners, and the community to maintain the sustainability of cultural heritage. Malay Drums: More Than Just a Musical Instrument.
Prof. Dr. Dra. Tengku Thyrhaya Zein, M.A. (Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, USU) delivered a presentation entitled "Malay Drums as a Representation of Malay Identity." He clearly explained that Malay drums reflect a complex and dynamic identity.
"The connection between cultural artifacts, in this case Malay drums, and the identity of an ethnic group cannot be underestimated," he said.
Prof. Dr. Dra. Tengku Thyrhaya Zein, M.A., outlined three main points: Geographical and Ecological: The choice of coconut wood as the drum's base material is not without reason. This reflects the harmonious adaptation of the Malay people to the coastal environment.
"The coconut tree symbolizes prosperity and sustainability in maritime areas, reinforcing the Malay identity as a maritime nation," he explained.
Language and Naming: The diversity of drum names across regions (such as Gendang Ronggeng, Pakpong, Kompang) demonstrates a rich culture bound by common roots.
"This reflects the concept of 'Malay is a group of people,' where local differences remain within the umbrella of a larger identity," he added.
Philosophical and Ethical: Malay drums are repositories of noble values such as unity, harmony and balance. "The adage 'united stands, divided falls' is embodied in the drum ensemble's playing, teaching that social cohesion is the key to the strength of Malay society," he concluded. Modernization and Digital Marketing Strategy
Drs. Yoe Anto Ginting, M.A. (Lecturer in Ethnomusicology at USU) presented on "Malay Drum Organology," comparing the use of traditional raw materials with more modern developments. This session provided an in-depth understanding of how innovation can improve product quality without losing its traditional essence.
Rahmatika Luthfiana Sholikhah, S.Sn., M.A. (Lecturer in Ethnomusicology at USU) presented on a topic highly relevant to current challenges: "Distribution and Online Marketing." She provided practical guidance to the craftspeople on how to utilize digital platforms to expand their market reach, reaching consumers from various regions, even internationally.
The highly anticipated highlight of the event was the handover of a lathe for making Malay drums, a grant from USU to the "Rentak Serdang" craftspeople group. This grant was presented directly by Prof. Drs. Mauly Purba, M.A., Ph.D. With this modern equipment, it is hoped that Pakpong drum production will be more efficient and of better quality, thereby increasing their economic competitiveness.
The event concluded with a lively Malay music and dance performance by Rentak Serdang musicians and representatives of the Serdang Sultanate. Hosted by Tengku Zaqierra Zaain (USU Ethnomusicology student), the event was simple yet left a lasting impression and renewed enthusiasm for the preservation and development of Malay traditional arts in Deli Serdang.
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