(AseanAll) — The cultural similarities between Indonesia, Malaysia, and southern Thailand were once again celebrated at the 10th Melayu Day Festival in Yala, Thailand, held from February 14 to 16. This cultural event was organized by the Yala City Government in collaboration with the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Songkhla and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla.
The Melayu Day Festival 2025 was officially opened by Ampon Pongsuwan, Governor of Yala Province, accompanied by Suargana Pringganu, Consul of Indonesia in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla, and Pongsak Yingchoncharoen, Mayor of Yala.
Indonesia participated in the festival through traditional dances, the promotion of Indonesian MSME flagship products, and a Nusantara fashion showcase. This 10th consecutive participation aimed to introduce Indonesia to the people of southern Thailand, particularly in Yala. The Indonesian Consulate in Songkhla also facilitated the signing of six (6) Letters of Intent (LoI) related to trade promotion between Indonesia and Thailand.
Among the cultural performances, the Ratoh Jaroe (Saman Dance) from Aceh and Pendet Dance from Bali received high appreciation from the audience. Additionally, the Indonesian Pavilion featured at least 37 Indonesian MSMEs from various provinces. The festival recorded an estimated 15,000 visitors from different regions across southern Thailand.
Beyond Yala Province, Malay cultural similarities can also be found in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Satun Provinces, which are adjacent to the Malaysian border. More than three million Malays reside in southern Thailand, sharing strong cultural ties with Indonesia and Malaysia.
According to records from the Yala Student Association in Indonesia, over 200 students from Yala Province are currently pursuing higher education at various universities in Aceh, Medan, Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Malang.
This close cultural connection was further demonstrated through cooperation initiated by the Yala City Government in 2024, when a delegation from the Mayor of Yala visited Bandung to explore a smart city collaboration. The Yala City Government plans to expand its cooperation with Indonesia through a visit to Yogyakarta in 2025.
The Melayu Day Festival is expected to strengthen friendships and enhance Indonesia’s engagement with the Malay community in southern Thailand.
