Gilang Nur Rochman, a Physics student at the UGM Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, has been passionate about dancing since childhood.
Amid his activities during the Community Service Program (KKN) in Namu Village, Laonti District, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, he teaches traditional Indonesian dances to local school children.
The repertoire of dances he imparts includes a wide array, ranging from the energetic Saman dance from Aceh to the captivating Kecak dance from Bali. Moreover, he introduces culturally enriching dances intertwined with regional songs like Sik Sik Sibatumanikam, Ampar Ampar Pisang, Cublak Cublak Suweng, and Rasa Sayange.
“The children approach the learning process with boundless enthusiasm and unwavering spirit, earnestly striving to master the distinctive movements of each dance. Beyond mere dance steps, we delve into the significance behind these four regional songs,” shared Rochman on Thursday (Feb. 22).
Rochman’s endeavor to impart traditional dances from a young age ensures that children continue to inherit and uphold Indonesia’s rich cultural legacy. Through this program, the aspiration is to nurture and perpetuate a genuine love for Indonesian culture among the younger generation.
“By comprehending the essence of regional songs, we aim to instill a deeper appreciation for Indonesian culture within the children and foster the preservation of cultural diversity across the homeland,” he opined.
“Hopefully, endeavors like this will be perpetuated by other KKN students across diverse regions, thus ensuring the vibrancy and sustainability of Indonesian culture.”
Rochman disclosed that the children he mentored in traditional dances are students of SMPN Satu Atap 1, Namu Village, South Konawe.
Following a month of dedicated practice, these traditional dances took center stage at the farewell event for the students during the South Konawe Festival, which was themed “Sparkling Cultural Tourism.”
The event was graced by figures including South Konawe Regent Surunuddin Dangga, UGM’s Director of Community Service Dr. Rustamaji, South Konawe Secretary Chadidjah, several officials from South Konawe Regional Agencies, Laonti District Head Palaki, and Village Heads of Laonti District.
Rochman elaborated that the regent was deeply impressed by the children’s performance, showering them with high praise and commendation.
“He even suggested that their performance deserves recognition at the provincial level. Such accolades from the regent served as a tremendous morale booster for these children, filling them with pride and joy to receive such esteemed acknowledgment from their local leader,” he shared.
Author: Gusti Grehenson