The UGM Center for Cultural Studies has unleashed Truwelu, a semi-digital interactive game poised to revolutionize disaster mitigation education from a cultural perspective.
Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, the Center for Cultural Studies Acting Head, elucidated that Truwelu seamlessly blends scientific and cultural insights into disaster knowledge.
This innovative game encapsulates ancestral teachings (piwulang) found in ancient manuscripts and folklore, meticulously processed and presented in a contemporary and engaging format.
“Truwelu is rooted in the concept of a snake and ladder board game, and its evolution was fostered through collaboration with the UGM Center for Disaster Studies,” she expounded during the Truwelu launch on Monday (Dec. 11).
Truwelu, a portmanteau of TRUstha (happy), Wigya (smart), Edi (beautiful), and LUhur (noble), embodies an educational journey grounded in joy, aiming to enhance knowledge, beauty, and nobility.
Dr. Saktimulya revealed that Truwelu is ingeniously designed as a semi-digital game accessible through a website. This ensures ease of access while retaining the tangible charm of a traditional game board, fostering continuous interaction among players.
The game encompasses thought-provoking questions as learning tools pertinent to disaster mitigation. A knowledge (kawruh) menu is also incorporated, offering valuable insights into local beliefs and cultures associated with disasters.
Truwelu accommodates 2-4 players, utilizing a single smartphone from one of the players. Players can access truweluboardgame.id to commence the game or scan the provided QR code.
Truwelu has already been introduced at SMP 1 Cangkringan, and plans include expanding promotion efforts to various locations.
“May this initiative flourish and evolve, contributing to our shared cultural preservation,” Dr. Saktimulya expressed her aspirations.
G.K.B.R.A.A. Paku Alam, also serving as the Yogyakarta Literacy Mother, lauded UGM’s proactive endeavors, notably the Center for Cultural Studies, for actively promoting cultural literacy across diverse segments of society.
“The uniqueness lies in the center’s effort to resurrect teachings from our ancestors, safeguarded in ancient Javanese manuscripts, and present them in a distinctly millennial package,” she underscored.
She stressed the importance of ancestral teachings, including those of Ki Hadjar Dewantara, to anchor future generations to the nation’s cultural roots, especially amidst the whirlwind of globalization and its far-reaching impacts.
Promoting cultural literacy is envisioned to instill moral character, sharpen logical reasoning, and amplify the younger generation’s creativity.
“Let’s unite in advancing literacy, and I extend my appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Center for Cultural Studies in fortifying cultural literacy for the advancement of our nation and country,” she concluded.
On another note, Wawan Harmawan extolled the extraordinary value embedded in the Truwelu product developed by UGM. Beyond its role in disaster mitigation education, Truwelu serves as a commendable guardian of Javanese culture.
Author: Ika