Melaka: The Melaka government welcomes the initiative by local arts practitioners to revive the traditional ronggeng dance as a potential new cultural tourism attraction, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He stated that the effort would be carried out with careful consideration to ensure the traditional dance is promoted without violating Islamic principles.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the idea of reviving ronggeng, or joget lambak as it is also known, is significant because it originated in Melaka but has been largely forgotten. The revival will be executed in an impromptu style, ensuring it does not contravene hukum syarak (Islamic law).

Speaking to reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Bicara Seni Budaya discourse, held in conjunction with the Rentak Bertandak Antarabangsa Melaka cultural programme, Ab Rauf received the programme's resolution book from Nusantara Performing Arts Research Centre executive director Prof Dr Mohd Anis Md Nor. He mentioned that the effort to revive the ronggeng dance could be conducted in collaboration with the Melaka branch of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), along with several other parties.

Ab Rauf highlighted that ronggeng has unique artistic value and can be elevated as a state cultural asset alongside Dondang Sayang. He also noted that the dance incorporates pantun (traditional Malay rhyming verse), which helps promote and preserve Malay literary and performing arts.

The resolutions from the forum will be reviewed for inclusion in the state's cultural policy as part of Melaka's broader efforts to strengthen traditional arts and public appreciation of cultural heritage.