Hello Mr Walls a.k.a Russian Silat,
You are a true student of silat and anthropology!
Thank you for taking time to study Malay culture. Just remember that Malay culture is only a portion of what is Indonesian culture. And as Sahabat Silat, we frown upon those who harbour 'dendam'. Why should we harbour 'dendam' for you? Maybe what we do feel for you is 'sebel' 'kesel' and in the end we think 'emang gue pikirin?' - these sentiments you will not find in whatever books you are reading on Malay culture now, I think!
Some corrections (if you don't mind, Sir!)
- Bertimbah perasaan - should be bertimbang perasaan - remember one silat style called Timbangan? Same root word.
- Maruah - I don't recognize this word. Could you check and come back?
Only two corrections! Way to go!
But most of the 'problems' with you guys are not from what you or any other PCP student ever said. It is obvious that you guys are defending your school and your teacher and that is a good thing. What appears to be regretable is that your teacher is not much of an anthropologist ... but he treads in the areas of culture where he would be do much better if he had more training in (or more instinctive) ethnographical attitudes to facilitate successful field work. Remember you can't learn a culture from books rather you must taste it for yourself.
So the more PCP students visit Tarik Kolot and drop by the Padepokan in TMII Jakarta, visit other schools in Bogor, Bandung, and travel around silat communities here, the better for everyone. I am sure Sahabat Silat will assist you in every way, even bend over backwards to facilitate meetings with our network here, becauise we love silat and do not do the 'dendam' thing.
You and your school are in a unique position in which you can do much for Cimande. Much good, and equally so, much damage. So, yes, it would serve you and your teacher and Cimande and the wider silat community well to be 'hati-hati bila bercakap'.
Nice to have you and Michael back,
Warm salams,
Bram.
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