RADIO DAN ORANG ASLI: MENELUSURI PERANAN SIARAN ASYIK FM DI PENEMPATAN PEDALAMAN ETNIK SEMAI DI POS TITOM, LIPIS, PAHANG (National integration of the Orang Asli: the role of Asyik FM radio channel for the Semai eth-nic at Titom Settlement, Lipis, Pahang)

Abstract

The Orang Asli ethnic group is often seen as natives whose lives are marginalized, isolated and the poorest. This is so because they are the last to receive economic development. Efforts of including them into the state system began in earnest since the establishment of the Department of Orang Asli (JAKOA), which is a dedicated welfare department for this ethnic group. The Orang Asli radio broadcast Asyikfm serves as a complimentary channel delivering information whilst entertaining. The channel began airing under the name Siaran Orang Asli. Initially functioning as an anti-communist psywar radio broadcast, it eventually serves as an agent of development. The channel employs a strategy that injects elements of persuasion as it airs in the Orang Asli dialects and nuances. Its coverage is extensive as it aims at integrating the said ethnic group into the national system. This study is aimed at evaluating the role of Radio Asyikfm in channeling information towards the formation of national integration for the Orang Asli. It seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the radio content in the government’s intention for national integration. For this reason, the study undertakes a mixed method approach. A content analysis is done on the Asyikfm Radio Broadcast Schedule as well as the Deejay Schedule for the year 2014. A survey is also carried out on 102 respondents from the Semai ethnic group of Pos Titom, Lipis Pahang. In addition, interviews were done with three Key informants. Results show that the Orang Asli settlements in the interior are very interested in getting news from outside their communities. Asyikfm airs in four dialects, namely Orang Asli Semai, Temiar, Temuan, and Malay and it is their preferred choice compared to other radio broadcasts. Further, the analysis showed that the broadcasting and dissemination by radio Asyikfm has actually led these aboriginal people to socialize through the medium of social media. To increase the level of understanding and communication, Asyikfm uses an approach that upholds the Malay language with translation. It entertains while communicating the government’s agenda to its intended audience and that is the Orang Asli. The findings indicate the occurrence of change in terms of the national integration but not in a linear line as expected. Elements of national integration are disseminated through radio to the indigenous people. However, decision-making based on consensus as well as changes in the direction of national integration are done by the indigenous people based on their own worldview that remains attached strongly with their cultural ties.