Rokan Hulu, Riau — The sound of stomping feet, along with the distinctive shouts of silat practitioners, echoed in the yard of the Silek Kumango Toluk Nogoi Tinga Art Studio in Kepenuhan Hulu Village, Rokan Hulu, Riau. On the morning of August 27th, under the cool shade of the sky, the village youth practiced enthusiastically. They wore black uniforms complete with headbands, which had been donated by the palm oil plantation company PT Eka Dura Indonesia (EDI).
Silek Kumango is more than just a self-defense technique; it embodies the honor, ethics, and local wisdom of the Malay community in Kepenuhan Hulu. This martial art plays a crucial role in various traditional ceremonies, from welcoming distinguished guests to bestowing honorary titles. Each move and gesture performed carries philosophical significance, paying tribute to ancestors and esteemed guests.
Since 2023, PT Eka Dura Indonesia, a subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari, Tbk., has been actively involved in supporting the development of this studio through its Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program. The support includes funding for operations, training uniforms, and management guidance for the dance studio. This initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to preserving the sustainability of local culture in its operational areas.
The local community has shown tremendous appreciation for PT EDI’s commitment to supporting sustainability initiatives in the region. Nurhadi A.S., the Head of Kepenuhan Hulu Village, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the company’s ongoing support for the Silek Kumango Toluk Nogoi Tinga Art Studio.
“We are truly thankful for the company’s unwavering assistance, which has helped the studio flourish and gain national recognition,” he shared proudly.
Additionally, Bustami, one of the traditional security guards, expressed his hopes for the continuation of this beneficial partnership. “It’s our sincere hope that the company will keep contributing to our studio’s growth, allowing our youth to practice and preserve this invaluable ancestral heritage,” he remarked with optimism.
The Silek Kumango Toluk Nogoi Tinga Studio currently boasts 44 dedicated members consisting of 14 women and 30 men who actively train under the guidance of skilled local coaches. Their passion extends beyond martial arts; it is deeply rooted in preserving their identity and honoring the rich Malay culture of Rokan Hulu.
“Silek Kumango Nogoi Tinga is a treasured martial arts heritage of our indigenous communities, filled with profound meaning and philosophy,” emphasized Imam Taufiq, Assistant for Sustainability and CSR at PT Eka Dura Indonesia. “We are committed to ensuring these noble values remain vibrant and are passed down to future generations.”
Imam went on to highlight that cultural preservation not only strengthens community identity but also fosters harmonious relationships between companies and their local counterparts. “We aspire for our community empowerment initiatives in the cultural sphere to create a positive impact, benefiting both the community and the company as we work together to preserve local wisdom,” he added enthusiastically.
Through initiatives like this, PT Eka Dura Indonesia demonstrates that corporate social responsibility encompasses more than just infrastructure and economic contributions. Rather, cultural preservation plays a vital role in sustainable development, ensuring that our ancestral heritage remains alive amidst the fast currents of modernization.
Source: Antara News
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