The Minangkabau ethnic group is one of Indonesia’s cultural treasures, as reflected in their architectural art, literature, music, dance, and martial arts.
Efforts to preserve this heritage, particularly in Maninjau, have been made through organizing cultural arts festivals. However, equally important is the revitalization of arts and literacy studios as platforms for the Minangkabau community to express their creativity, fostering a new generation committed to cultural preservation.
In line with its commitment to support cultural conservation and local wisdom, a Community Service team from UGM’s Faculty of Philosophy initiated the development of the Salareh Nan Jombang Studio in Nagari Koto Gadang, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, as a digital technology-based arts and cultural literacy studio.
This community service project began in 2023 and is led by a team of lecturers, including Professor Armaidy Armawi, Dr. Iva Ariani, and Shoim Mardiyah.
The project focuses on mentoring, guidance, and training in information technology, and the studio was inaugurated on Thursday (Aug. 22).
Professor Armaidy Armawi, head of the team, expressed his optimism that the studio’s activities are concrete efforts to preserve cultural heritage amid modernization.
“We hope the Salareh Nan Jombang Studio will become a platform for young generations to explore, develop, and promote local arts and culture by utilizing digital technology,” Professor Armawi said in a statement to the press on Tuesday (Aug. 27).
According to Professor Armawi, it is crucial to have a generation that can effectively utilize technology to support the preservation of arts and literacy while creating more innovative and creative works.
For example, using technology to produce documentary films or tutorial videos about traditional Minangkabau arts can help introduce these cultural elements to a broader audience, both locally and internationally.
A young generation proficient in technology can also produce more modern and creative works of art and literature while maintaining the values of Minangkabau culture and tradition.
This would foster a blend of cultural values and modernity, serving as a medium to introduce traditional Minangkabau arts and culture to a broader, younger audience.
Therefore, the preservation of Minangkabau arts and literacy can continue to evolve and flourish in line with technological advancements.
“There must be an initiative from the younger generation to engage in cultural preservation efforts and enhance societal literacy, particularly in producing and distributing relevant and engaging cultural content. If the studio members can effectively utilize social media, you can conquer the world,” added Dr. Iva Ariani.
The Village Head of Koto Gadang Anam Koto, Amrizal, fully supports the studio’s efforts to produce educational content to preserve local cultural heritage.
While attending the inauguration event, he also suggested creating educational content about the ongoing restoration of one of the traditional Minangkabau houses (rumah gadang) in Koto Gadang Anam Koto.
As part of Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Faculty of Philosophy actively participates in various efforts to support cultural preservation and improve public literacy at both local and national levels.
With the establishment of the Salareh Nan Jombang Studio as a digital technology-based arts and cultural literacy studio, a synergy between the arts, culture, and digital technology is hoped to occur.
This synergy will ultimately enrich Indonesia’s cultural heritage and strengthen local identity amid the strong influence of globalization.
Author: Gloria
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif