卡内基国际和平基金会-Bujang-Valley-is-Our-National-Heritage_2页_1mb

Bujang Valley: A National Heritage of Historical Significance

Core Content

Bujang Valley is a historically significant site in Kedah, Malaysia, that represents the first Malay Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in Peninsular Malaysia. It holds immense cultural, historical, and archaeological value, offering insights into the region's ancient past and its role in the broader Southeast Asian context.

Key Historical Facts

• Location and Size: Bujang Valley spans approximately 224 square kilometers and is located in Kedah.
• Founding and Timeline: The kingdom was established around the first century CE and existed until the third century CE.
• Historical Recognition: It is mentioned in Indian, Chinese, and Arabic literary, travel, and commercial records, indicating its prominence as a trading hub.
• Trade Importance: It was a premier port with a monopoly on the world's spice trade, making it a key player in regional commerce.
• Precedence over Other Sites: Bujang Valley predates major Southeast Asian sites like Angkor Wat, Borobudur, and Prambanan, as well as the Srivijaya and Majapajit empires, and the Champa and Cambodian kingdoms.
• Cultural Influence: The site shows evidence of Hindu-Buddhist cultural influence, which had a deep impact on the development of Malay culture before the arrival of Islam.

Main Points and Views

• Cultural and Historical Significance: Bujang Valley provides a deeper historical foundation for Malay and Malaysian identity, predating the Malacca Sultanate, which is traditionally seen as the starting point of Malayan history.
• Need for Recognition: The author argues that Malaysian history, especially in school textbooks, should be revised to include Bujang Valley's contributions, emphasizing the country's long and rich heritage.
• Tourism Potential: The site has the potential to become a major tourist attraction if properly excavated, preserved, and integrated into the Southeast Asian historical tourist map.
• Multicultural Identity: Recognizing Bujang Valley's heritage supports the development of a contemporary, multicultural nation that embraces diversity.
• Preservation Challenges: Despite efforts by the federal and Kedah governments to protect some sites, more action is needed. The entire complex should be acquired, excavated, and preserved.
• National Responsibility: Preservation of Bujang Valley is a national responsibility that should not be politicized along ethnic or religious lines.

Key Information

• Archaeological Discoveries: Excavations have uncovered a jetty, iron-smelting areas, numerous temple complexes, and a large clay-brick oven, indicating a highly developed society.
• Site 11 Demolition: A part of Bujang Valley, Site 11 (Candi Sungai Batu Estate), was demolished by a developer despite public outcry. The Kedah government's response has been insufficient.
• International Collaboration: The author suggests that international assistance should be sought for the preservation of Bujang Valley, similar to efforts for sites like Angkor Wat and Borobudur.
• Author: The document is written by Datuk Muthiah Alagappa, a non-resident senior associate with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Conclusion

Bujang Valley is not only a historical treasure but also a symbol of Malaysia's ancient heritage. Its recognition and preservation are essential for reinforcing national identity, promoting cultural understanding, and enhancing the country's tourism and academic landscape. The site should be treated as a national asset, not confined to any single ethnic or religious group, and its historical significance should be integrated into the broader narrative of Malaysia's past.