Unraveling the Nuance of Bakaba: Cultural Diffusion and the Development of Rabab Pasisia in the Pesisir Selatan District of West Sumatra

Abstract

The Bakaba tradition of Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra, is embodied in Rabab Pasisia, intricately linked with Islamic values introduced during the initial spread of Islam along the West Sumatran coast. Rabab Pasisia, originally brought by Muslim traders from Aceh, transformed the local Bakaba tradition, formerly known as Basikambang. This study aims to analyze the religious and socio-cultural aspects of the Pesisir Selatan community, trace the historical development of its Bakaba tradition, and explore Rabab Pasisia as a pivotal performing art form. Employing a field research approach with a descriptive-analytical historical perspective, the study utilizes both written records and oral sources for data collection. Findings highlight Rabab Pasisia's role in the Islamization process of Pesisir Selatan, serving as a musical tool for Islamic propagation. The introduction of Rabab initiated shifts in community traditions, fostering the evolution of Bakaba practices into the vibrant Rabab Pasisia performances seen today. This evolution is marked by the incorporation of religious values such as creed, Shariah, and ethics into the art form, reflecting its deep cultural significance.