Author : Ainur Ropik, M.Si (Lecture at UIN Raden Fatah Palembang)
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern life that moves at breakneck speed, the people of Palembang still hold firmly to communication traditions that have been passed down through generations. Berasan, a word that sounds simple yet holds extraordinary power in influencing and achieving goals. Originating from the Malay language meaning “to deliberate,” berasan has become a distinctive communication pattern that is not just about speaking, but also the art of touching hearts.
More Than Just Deliberation
Imagine a meeting where words flow like clear water, where every sentence is delivered with full caution and wisdom. That is berasan. In Palembang traditional wedding ceremonies, berasan is a deliberation between both families to determine wedding requirements both culturally and religiously. However, more than just formality, berasan becomes a medium where two families unite their vision and build harmony that will last forever.
The Hidden Power in Pantun
The uniqueness of berasan lies in its complex yet captivating communication structure. This stage is rich with pantun (traditional Malay poetry), where each participant uses refined and courteous figurative language. Not just casual conversation, berasan requires participants to master profound symbolic language. The Palembang Malay language used in daily communication has evolved to become a distinctive characteristic that differentiates Palembang from other regions. In berasan, this language is enriched with metaphors and analogies capable of touching the soul of every listener.
The tradition of reciting pantun in berasan is not merely entertainment. It is a communication strategy that allows the delivery of sensitive messages in an elegant way that is acceptable to all parties. The atmosphere of berasan is filled with pantun and pleasantries, creating a warm environment to unite two families. Every pantun uttered has hidden meaning, every word is carefully chosen to achieve goals without hurting anyone’s feelings.
Proven Effective Amid Diversity
Data shows that berasan communication has a high level of effectiveness in reaching agreements. South Sumatra has more than 400 ethnic groups and sub-ethnic groups, yet Palembang society is known for living harmoniously and side by side despite consisting of various ethnic groups, races, and social classes. Berasan contributes greatly to maintaining this social harmony through strong emotional approaches, organized dialogical structures, and deep values of mutual cooperation.
The persuasive power of berasan lies in its ability to create strong emotional connections through the use of pantun and figurative language. Berasan takes the form of dialogue between house experts and Nenek Mamak (respected elders), as well as traditional leaders. This dialogue is not just an exchange of information, but a process of building trust and deep mutual understanding.
Tepung Tawar, a similar deliberation tradition, has become an intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Indonesia under the Ministry of Education and Culture. Berasan, with its uniqueness and cultural values, deserves similar recognition. The social impact of berasan is very broad, strengthening relationships between families and communities, preserving the Palembang Malay language and oral literature, building democratic deliberation traditions, and teaching the art of persuasive communication to younger generations.
Challenges in the Digital Era
However, the biggest challenge for berasan today is maintaining its relevance in the digital era. The increasing number of immigrant ethnic groups and cultural mixing in Bengkulu city has led to a decrease in regional language speakers and oral literary elements. Similar conditions are also experienced by Palembang. To face this challenge, preservation strategies are needed through documenting berasan processes in digital form, integrating berasan learning into local curricula, utilizing social media for cultural promotion, and organizing berasan workshops for young people.
Religious atmosphere and meaning are very thick in berasan proceedings, with almost every stage containing hopes and prayers. This shows that berasan is not only a communication method, but also a spiritual practice that strengthens social bonds. Berasan teaches that effective communication is not about who wins or loses, but about how to reach agreements that benefit all parties. Berasan contains noble values reflected in speeches or remarks to strengthen unity bonds.
In the context of globalization and modernization, berasan offers an alternative communication model that is humanistic and sustainable. The cultural wealth of Palembang people is not only local identity, but also an important part of cultural heritage that continues to be preserved and maintained. The universal values of berasan include respecting differences of opinion, prioritizing consensus over confrontation, building trust through honest communication, and maintaining the dignity of all parties involved.
Heritage for the World
Berasan is concrete proof that Palembang society had developed sophisticated communication technology long before the modern era. The long history of Palembang as the center of the Sriwijaya Kingdom and Palembang Sultanate shaped interactions with various ethnic groups and nations, making Palembang culture have its own distinctive character. The strength of berasan lies in its ability to transform potential conflict into harmony, tension into cooperation, and differences into strength.
In an era where polarization and communication conflicts are increasing, berasan offers an alternative path that has proven effective. Berasan is not just a tradition of the past, but communication wisdom that is relevant for the future. Through proper preservation and adaptation, berasan can become a valuable contribution from Palembang society to global communication civilization. By understanding and appreciating berasan, we not only preserve culture, but also learn the art of communication that can change the world, one dialogue at a time.