Thread:ZPCI Hunter/@comment-22439-20140429155048/@comment-5912280-20140503054449

I went to do a little research on the subject,here is what I came back with:

Because of many similarities and shared cultures between Indonesia and Malaysia—also because of significant numbers of Indonesian-origin immigrants in today's Malaysian demographic—both countries are often involved in disputes over cultural claims of the origin. Through an intensive tourism campaign, Malaysia has only featured one famous cultural icon, namely the song Rasa Sayange, While Indonesia has featured many famous cultural icons, such as Batik, Wayang, Gamelan and angklung instrument, and Reog(Barongan) dance as part of Indonesia's culture.[11]  This aggressive tourism promotion and cultural campaigns had alarmed and upset Indonesians that always thought that these arts and cultures belongs to them. As the reaction, many Indonesians felt the need to safeguard their cultural legacies, and to the extreme developed the anti-Malaysia sentiments. In 2009 the Pendet controversy fuelled again the cultural disputes among neighbours. The advertisement promoting Discovery Channel's programme "Enigmatic Malaysia" featured Balinese Pendet dancer which it incorrectly showed to be a Malaysian dance.[12] [13]

On the other hand, the shared language and culture have their own benefits on connecting the people of both countries. For example, Indonesian popular cultures such as Indonesian musics, films and sinetrons are popular in Malaysia. Numerous Indonesian bands and musicians have their fan-base in Malaysia and often performed some concerts in Malaysia. Vice versa Malaysian singers such as Sheila Majid and Siti Nurhaliza are beloved and popular in Indonesia. Malaysian animation Upin & Ipin with deep Malay culture had also gain wide popularity and appeal among Indonesian children and families.[14]  However this cultural exchanges is not always appreciated, the overwhelming popularity of Indonesian music in Malaysia had alarmed the Malaysian music industry. In 2008 Malaysian music industry demanded the restriction of Indonesian songs on Malaysian radio broadcasts.[15]

While it is true that they hold many similarities,they can also help unite two nations. Sometimes,you have to set aside your differences because only then,will nations progress further.

Besides,how else do you think Singapore has progressed so far over the years?