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Tradition and culture are essential aspects of a nation’s identity, reflecting the values of diversity within unity.
Unfortunately, this philosophy is increasingly threatened by changing times that jeopardize the preservation of Indonesian culture and identity.
As the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, stated on the website of the Ministry of Culture and Education, “Culture is not just a heritage but it also represents the identity of a nation.”
Puspo Rini, an art teacher from Yogyakarta who relocated to Central Kalimantan to teach various forms of archipelago dance, shares this view. She is dedicated to preserving the archipelago’s culture through dance.
Puspo Rini reflected on her journey, stating, “Initially, I tried my luck when Astra Agro visited my campus, but that was 11 years ago. My teaching career began in West Kotawaringin, where I met children from the Dayak tribe, yet none of them knew any Dayak dances.”
She shared her experience of establishing a dance studio called Sanggar Cendikia Astra at PT Gunung Sejahtera Ibu Pertiwi (GSIP), one of Astra Agro Lestari’s subsidiary located in Central Kalimantan.
Originally from Yogyakarta, Puspo’s knowledge and talent in various archipelagic cultures, which she acquired during her studies in the art department at Yogyakarta University, became a significant factor in her application for a position at Astra Agro Lestari.
When Puspo Rini joined Astra Agro Lestari, not much changed for her. She was able to spread her wings and express her passion for cultural arts through the company’s public contributions.
Despite going out of her comfort zone, Puspo Rini viewed this as an exciting challenge that motivated her.
“Times have changed; kids today prefer to spend their time on social media. While many celebrate Indonesian culture, few are committed to preserving and developing the values of our art and cultural traditions,” Puspo Rini noted.
She believes that culture should not be treated as a protected object or merely a relic, but rather as something to be valued and continually explored as a source of learning for identity and to foster a civilised and cultured Indonesian society.
Puspo Rini takes a forward-thinking approach by using social media as an educational platform to engage students’ interest in learning.
In addition to teaching Dayak Dance, she introduces Nusantara Dance and incorporates modern elements into her dance creations.
“Mixing traditional and modern culture is one way to foster children’s interest and passion. It’s important that children have the desire to learn and appreciate the true culture of Indonesia,” she said.
Her success is evident not only in the awards she has received but also in the happiness she brings to her students.
“Thanks to art, the children at the studio have the opportunity to experience appreciation and travel to places that they might not have visited if it weren’t for dance,” she added.
Patriotism and the Arts
The unwavering dedication of Puspo Rini, a teacher at Astra Agro, has earned her multiple awards at both district and national levels.
Recognized as an exceptional educator, Puspo Rini has received accolades such as the award from the Regent of West Kotawaringin (Kobar) at the Kobar Expo, participation in the Indonesia Talent Show Time organized by Astra International, and recognition at the Creative Economy Agency Festival (Bekraf), among others.
These achievements are the result of her relentless efforts to preserve culture by nurturing the dance talents of her students at Astra Agro Lestari School.
Now, at PT Gunung Sejahtera Dua Indah (PT GSDI), Puspo Rini has expanded her artistic endeavors into the realm of theatre.
“This presents a significant challenge in developing the interests and talents of students who previously focused solely on dance and are now learning to create narrative stories. However, with time and effort, this growth is achievable. In the future, we can showcase regional legends through these performances,” said Puspo Rini.
Inspired by the various awards received, Puspo Rini established an art studio at the school, supported by the company.
The studio, designed with glass walls, is similar to a traditional studio and is used for practising dance and theatre dramas.
The vibrant dance practised within Astra Agro’s oil palm plantations fosters a strong sense of community.
Art performances, whether organized by the company or the community at large, promote togetherness and instill a sense of care and appreciation for ancestral values.
Febriansyah, Astra Agro’s Community Development Area Manager in Central Kalimantan, emphasized, “Cultural values and traditions should be timeless; their presence must be maintained and passed down to ensure that people do not become complacent with cultural modernization.”
He also noted that the company actively incorporates cultural values into its initiatives as part of its efforts to preserve these traditions.
Puspo Rini has made a significant impact by fostering moral values through the art presented at every company activity, providing a refreshing perspective.
According to Febriansyah, Sanggar Cendikia Astra plays a crucial role in preserving Indonesian culture and transforming traditional values into artistic works. This program not only operates in schools but also collaborates with local art studios.
“The contribution of Sanggar Cendikia Astra brings joy to cultural preservation efforts within the company and the surrounding community. Collaborating with the community is a vital step in promoting the continuity of cultural values,” he added.
Such collaborations are key to raising public awareness about the importance of cultural preservation.
Febriansyah emphasized that the company will continue to foster partnerships and promote community empowerment to uphold Indonesian cultural values.
Source: Radar Sampit
