YOGYAKARTA – The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, called for a cultural awakening to empower the poor, emphasizing the importance of local (Javanese) cultural values in overcoming social and economic challenges. In his keynote speech at the FGD (Focus Group Discussion) #4 and Ketoprak Performance “Prophetic Leadership for Community Empowerment” organized by Dompet Dhuafa and Bina Trubus Swadaya, Wednesday (13/11/2024), the DIY Governor outlined a vision for a society where cultural heritage is harnessed to drive development and uplift marginalized communities.
“We must not only look back to honor the heritage of our ancestors, but also breathe new life into it as a source of hope for those left behind,” said Governor HB X in his speech delivered by Bambang Wiwoho as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Suluk Nusantara.
Governor HB X is of the opinion that local (Javanese) culture, with its emphasis on communal harmony and social justice, offers a powerful framework to address the poverty and inequality that still exist in Indonesia.
Some important points of Governor HB X’s speech delivered by Bambang Wiwoho, among others:
- Education as a Catalyst for Change: The Governor emphasized the importance of education in preserving and transmitting cultural values. He proposed a curriculum that integrates Javanese history and tradition, fostering a deeper connection between students and their heritage.
- The Role of Discourse: Public discourse, according to the Governor, is crucial to shaping cultural identity and social awareness. He emphasized the need for platforms where people can engage in meaningful conversations about their culture and its relevance to contemporary challenges.
- Importance of Public Spaces: Public spaces, such as community centers and cultural centers, play an important role in fostering social cohesion and cultural expression. The Governor called for the creation of more spaces where people can gather to learn, share ideas, and participate in cultural activities.
- Cultural Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation: The Governor linked the concept of cultural renaissance to the broader issue of poverty alleviation. He argued that by empowering communities to utilize their cultural resources, more sustainable and equitable development will be created.
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa and East Java Journalists Education Foundation Collaborate to Advance Education
Governor HB X’s vision for cultural revival in Yogyakarta offers a compelling framework for addressing some of Indonesia’s most pressing social challenges. By emphasizing the importance of education, discourse and public space, the Governor has outlined a path forward that could inspire other regions in Indonesia to embrace their cultural heritage as a tool of social and economic development.
The ketoprak cultural performance that day was a creative idea born from both the anxiety and richness of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. The main character was played by Parni Hadi as the initiator and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dompet Dhuafa Republika Foundation as the King of Jenggala, a kingdom located in East Java in the years 1042-1135. The board of trustees and management of Dompet Dhuafa, the board of trustees of Bina Trubus Swadaya, the Regent of Magetan 2018-2023, artists and cultural figures were also present at the performance.
During the event, Parni Hadi also inaugurated the venue used for the performance, called Sasana Budaya Rumah Kita, which is located at the Dompet Dhuafa office, Philanthropy Building, South Jakarta. She hopes that Sasana Budaya Rumah Kita can be used functionally by various parties and groups, especially for learning and empowerment activities. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil