USM Adiguru Che Mat Jusoh urges younger generation to write about traditional arts

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 7 — Adiguru Che Mat Jusoh, the master of traditional performing arts at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is urging the younger generation to delve into documenting traditional arts and culture in order to preserve intangible heritage. The 72-year-old, who received the Living National Heritage Award (WAKOH) from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) this year, emphasizes that writing related to traditional arts and culture should not be overlooked.

Che Mat, who has dedicated nearly 58 years to preserving and sustaining traditional performing arts like Mak Yong and Kelantanese Wayang Kulit, notes that documentation and writing are crucial to ensuring that the knowledge, history, and philosophy of heritage are not lost over time. He highlights that the prestigious award acknowledges his efforts to safeguard a heritage that needs protection.

Che Mat is proud to play old Mak Yong songs that are at risk of being lost, and he is encouraged by the younger generation's growing interest in learning them. However, he stresses that traditional arts must be taught patiently and with commitment, similar to how he himself learned. Che Mat aims to ensure that traditional arts and heritage continue to thrive across generations, emphasizing that they should not merely be memories or relics of history but should be actively practiced and strengthened.

In addition to his contributions to traditional performing arts, Che Mat, previously a resident artist at USM, has also published a book titled Hikayat Maharaja Seri Rama, which documents a significant aspect of Malay literature that has evolved over a thousand years within the cultural sphere of the Malay Archipelago.