As an Indonesian attending Keretapi Sarong 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, I was struck by the sense of unity and cultural pride that permeated the event. To me, this wasn’t just a celebration of Malaysia Day—it was a profound display of national identity, intertwined with a shared history and a forward-looking generation of youth. Standing among the crowd, I found myself reflecting on the differences and similarities between Indonesia and Malaysia, and how this event reflected a collective pride that left a lasting impression on me.
Youth as Witnesses to Malaysia’s Progress
What immediately stood out at Keretapi Sarong was the overwhelming participation of young people. Most seemed to be in their twenties, likely born around the turn of the millennium. This generation has grown up in a time when Malaysia was rapidly modernizing. They’ve not only witnessed the country's rise on the global stage, but have lived through an era where Malaysia overcame significant economic challenges and emerged as a beacon of progress in Southeast Asia.
Watching them board packed trains in the early morning—dressed in sarongs, baju kurung, kebayas, and other traditional attire—I realized this generation has been a witness to Malaysia’s transformation into a more prosperous nation. These young Malaysians have seen their country flourish, with world-class infrastructure like the Petronas Towers and Merdeka 118 standing as symbols of their nation's rise. They know Malaysia is predicted to become a high-income nation next year, with a gross national income between US$12,000 and US$15,000.
For these youth, pride extends beyond cultural expression. It’s a reflection of how Malaysia has established itself as a stable, beautiful, and increasingly affluent nation. This sense of pride in their country's growth is palpable—rooted not only in tradition but also in Malaysia’s promising future.
Well-Traveled, Worldly, and Grounded in Home
Another aspect that fascinated me was how globally mobile these young Malaysians are. Along with Singapore, Malaysia has one of the most well-traveled populations in Southeast Asia. Many of the people I saw at Keretapi Sarong likely had the privilege of traveling abroad, experiencing different cultures, and gaining broader perspectives. Yet, after their travels, they returned home with a renewed sense of appreciation for Malaysia.
Travel, they say, expands horizons, and I saw evidence of this here. These young Malaysians have visited various countries, seen the world’s major cities, and realized that Malaysia, with its infrastructure, peaceful society, and friendly people, compares favorably to many of the places they’ve been. Their pride in their homeland isn't limited to its past—it is also anchored in the progress they’ve witnessed and the belief that Malaysia offers something special.
Moreover, Malaysia’s global reputation bolsters this sense of pride. With one of the world’s strongest passports, Malaysians enjoy visa-free access to over 180 countries, a testament to their country’s respected standing. This freedom to travel and Malaysia’s good global reputation undoubtedly shape the confident, proud young people I encountered at the event.
Cultural Diversity as Malaysia’s Strength
As the trains reached Lanai MaTiC, not far from the towering Petronas Towers, I was greeted by an extraordinary sight. Despite the intense midday heat, the crowd, now gathered in an open space, was alive with energy. What struck me was not just the size of the crowd, but its rich diversity—Malays, Chinese, Indians, and those from Sabah and Sarawak, standing together, waving flags, singing, and celebrating side by side.
What amazed me most was the spontaneous joy shared among participants. People danced, sang, and smiled without formal coordination, as if they were all part of a single, unspoken agreement to celebrate their national identity. The simplicity of the performances—recorded music, traditional dances, and a few live singers—only seemed to amplify the atmosphere. There were no big-name celebrities, no grand concert stages, and yet the lack of spectacle didn’t diminish the sense of unity.
As an Indonesian, I reflected on how different things are back home. Large events in Indonesia often require famous artists or grand entertainment to draw the crowds. Here in Malaysia, it was clear that the young people weren’t there for the fanfare. They came to celebrate something deeper: their identity, culture, and love for their country. The simplicity of the event felt intentional—it wasn’t about entertainment, but about a deeper, more collective expression of national pride.
Embracing Tradition While Shaping the Future
One of the most powerful takeaways from Keretapi Sarong was how this event wasn’t just a display of pride in modern Malaysia—it was a testament to how deeply connected young Malaysians are to their cultural roots. Despite living in an increasingly globalized world, these youth proudly wore traditional attire, demonstrating that they haven’t forgotten where they come from. Their embrace of cultural diversity—from the sarongs and kebayas of the Malay community to the cheongsams and saris worn by the Chinese and Indian communities—was a reminder that modern progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of tradition.
This generation is showing the world that Malaysia is not just defined by its skyscrapers and economic milestones. It is also a nation steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage that its youth are eager to display. As I stood there, watching the crowd dance in traditional dress, I realized that the pride these young people felt wasn’t just personal—it was collective. It was a pride born from Malaysia’s diversity, but united by a shared sense of belonging.
Collective Pride as Malaysia’s Strength
What moved me most about Keretapi Sarong was how it symbolized a collective pride that transcended individual identities. This generation of Malaysians, who have grown up in a rapidly modernizing country, are proud to be global citizens, yet they don’t abandon their heritage. Instead, they elevate it. The event served as a powerful reminder that national pride, rooted in history and tradition, can evolve into something that unites and strengthens a diverse nation.
This collective pride isn’t fleeting—it is something that will shape the future of Malaysia. These young Malaysians are witnesses to some of the most significant moments in their nation’s modern history. They have seen Malaysia grow into a country that can compete on the global stage, and they are proud to carry their country’s identity forward. As this pride becomes more ingrained in their collective consciousness, it is pushing Malaysia’s cultural identity to the forefront of their global standing.
As an Indonesian, witnessing Keretapi Sarong 2024 was a deeply humbling experience. It wasn’t just a celebration of Malaysia Day—it was a celebration of everything that makes Malaysia unique. The young people who participated were not just celebrating their past—they were embracing their future, as global citizens with deep, proud connections to their cultural heritage. I left the event inspired, and I couldn’t help but wonder if we, in Indonesia, could cultivate a similar sense of unity, pride, and connection to our own roots.
