Indigenous peoples from several regions dance together to a traditional Batak song from North Sumatra entitled 'Sinanggar Tullo' at the National Museum of Indonesia on Tuesday to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

Over 100 indigenous peoples from across the country gathered at the National Museum of Indonesia on Tuesday to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. At the museum, they called for the establishment of customary schools.

All of them wore their traditional costumes and in such a crowd, traditional languages were heard from all corners. Despite these differences, the national anthem united the people, and they sang it together solemnly.

This year’s theme is “Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Education”, and the attendants said there should not be discrimination in education toward indigenous peoples and the government should provide proper education for the new generations.

“I can understand if the government cannot provide lessons on local culture, traditional languages and local handicrafts in formal schools,” Ferdi Danse, from Loge Adak Indigenous Peoples community in Flores, West Nusa Tenggara, told The Jakarta Post.

However, he expected that the government provide facilities and infrastructure in regions for customary schools.

Echoing Fredi’s statement, Ludia Metansan from Moi Moya tribe in Raja Ampat, West Papua, said customary schools were needed to ensure that culture, tradition and the local crafts of indigenous peoples did not disappear.

She further said such things could be taught after students finished their lessons in formal schools.

Culture and Education Minister Muhadjir Effendy earlier said such forms of education were needed to instill local traditions into the minds of young people. Local traditions, and diversity, the minister went on to say, constituted an important part of Indonesia’s national identity.

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by The Jakarta Post

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