4. Belacan and the Forgotten Ancient Empires

Do you know Bella Chan? Fishing traditions gave rise to one of Malaysia's most important ingredients - belacan. Beyond cuisine though, belacan tells us a lot about Malaysia's seafaring history.

1,500 years ago, sea trading in South East Asia began to boom and from the spoils, the world's greatest maritime empire emerged - Srivijaya. Centred on the island of Sumatra, Srivijaya dominated trade in the region and extended its power to outposts on the Malay peninsular. Part of Srivijaya's success was its fierce naval force - the Orang Laut.

Today, Orang Laut communities are at a crossroad. We hear from anthropologist Ilya Katrinnada (@katrinnada_ ) about the Orang Laut communities that straddle the strait between Malaysia and Singapore. We talk about the challenges that modernism presents, the dying cultural traditions and how art can bring these traditions back to life.

References and Resources

A History of Malaysia, 2016, Barbara Watson Andaya, Leonard Y. Andaya

Photo Essay - Changing Tides, Staying Grounded, Ilya Katrinnada and Jefree Salim

Air - Drama Box Production

The Orang Seletar - Rowing Across Changing Tides, Ilya Katrinnada, Biblio Asia, National Library of Singapore

Orang Laut SG

Gerimis Art

Credits

Hosted by Dr Noby Leong and Philip Gibson

Produced by Dr Noby Leong and Philip Gibson

Sound Design by Jack Barr

Satay? Okay! is produced by Kopi Productions Limited