In Long Melah Village, Telen District, East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, the dedication to preserving cultural heritage shines brightly.
Amid the swift currents of development and modernization, the indigenous people of this village hold tightly to their ancestral roots.
PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AAL), through its subsidiary PT Subur Abadi Plantations (SAP), joins in this noble quest of cultural preservation, enriching the journey with purpose.
In the heart of the Long Melah community, the Dayak Kayan identity remains vibrant and strong. The culture, thriving within this society, is passed down across generations, notably through dance studios.
The Lingga Jalung Dance Studio stands as a beacon of tradition, fostering character and a deep-seated love for cultural identity. Here, the essence of heritage flourishes, ensuring traditions endure through time.
A pivotal force in this cultural renaissance is Wasti Pai, a remarkable woman in her sixties, who has devoted her life to nurturing a love of culture in the village’s children through immersive dance training.
“We’ve been building dances here since the year two thousand. This dance studio trains children aged eight to fifteen with a diverse range of dances,” Wasti Pai shared while savoring betel nut, confident that as long as children continue to dance, the culture will thrive.
For Wasti, the presence of the company injects fresh energy into conservation efforts.
“When PT Subur Abadi Plantations arrived in Long Melah, we became part of their development program,” he expressed.
He believes social responsibility encompasses environmental care as well as strengthening social and cultural ties, asserting that the company’s role must be meaningful in preserving resilient cultural identities.
Through the collaboration between indigenous communities and the company, the Lingga Jalung Dance Studio transforms into a sanctuary for artistic movement, fostering both spirit and pride in local heritage.
Every footstep and body movement of the children on the studio’s wooden floor echoes the importance of keeping the Dayak Kayan identity vibrant and alive.
The impact of this preservation transcends performance stages, manifesting in the daily lives of the community. Children engaged in the arts not only receive training but grow into confident, disciplined individuals rooted in the traditional values passed down through generations.
This initiative bridges the gap between the older and younger generations, weaving ancient wisdom with youthful enthusiasm to honor and protect their cultural heritage.
PT SAP is committed to nurturing strong relationships with the communities around its operational areas, recognizing it as essential for becoming a sustainable palm oil company.
Astra Agro is unwavering in its commitment to respecting the rights of local indigenous communities, fostering a future where culture thrives in harmony with progress.
Source: Kaltim Tribun News
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