Jihad as the Core of Malay Ethnocentrism

This study explores the role of jihad as the foundation of Malay ethnocentrism as reflected in Syair Perang Mengkasar, Syair Peperangan Aceh and Syair Perang Menteng/Muntinghe. The context for ethnocentrism thus refers to the initial resistance of the natives against the invaders at the onset of colonialism. This study deploys the concept of jihad fi sabilillah and William Graham Sumner’s notion of ethnocentrism as one’s tendency to perceive and value another culture as being superior to his or her own. The deconstruction of the texts is carried out through the intrinsic analysis on the depth of their literariness as well as the poets’ portrayal of ethnocentrism among ethnic Malays in Makasar, Aceh and Palembang. Based on the written form, it is found that the bards have utilised their poetic strength to raise and uphold the stature of the Acehnese Malays. The accuracy in the choice of dictions has enabled them to illustrate the highly spirited sense of jihad among the comrades in Makasar, Acehnese and Palembang to triumph over their adversaries. The spirit of Islam, sustained by the invocations of jihad fi sabilillah, is seen as the main factor in engaging a deeper sense of ethnocentrism among the Acehnese studied. It seems clear that, as shown in the works, the poets’ propensity to attach importance to their own ethnicity as opposed to that of the Other, is strategic in order to boost ethnocentrism among the Malays of Makasar, Aceh and Palembang.