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Ministry Hosts Dongdala Cultural Festival for cultural advancement
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n support of the government's efforts to improve welfare and food security, the Directorate of Cultural Development and Utilization (PPK) of the Directorate General of Culture at the Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry organized the Dongdala Cultural Village Festival in Pringgasela Selatan village, Pringgasela district, East Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
Various activities took place from Dec. 16 to 23, including the making of janur, bejabur/begawe kelem, nyiru jaja bejangkonga and nyiru jaja bejangkongan, traditional music performance Klenang Nunggal Pancor Kopong, religious tradition Zikir Saman, the Cultural Exhibition of Pringgasela Selatan village and a textile exhibition.
During her address, Irini Dewi Wanti, the director of the directorate of development and utilization of the Directorate General of Culture, explained that the event was a manifestation of the government's concern for the cultural progress in Pringgasela village. She emphasized that the activity aimed to strengthen and support the village's development, as well as to enhance the awareness of youth about their village.
“It is crucial not only to foster harmony and maintain relationships among the villagers but also to preserve cultural traditions, especially regarding food security, which is traditionally passed down through generations,” she said.
The festival also aimed to support sustainable village development rooted in strong cultural foundations and achieve the well-being of the community in Pringgasela Selatan village.
According to Irini, Dongdala, in local terms, is interpreted as having a unique diversity. The event served as a platform for community interaction, cultural preservation and an entry point for sustainable village development. The festival focused on the issue of food security.
Irini explained that the event symbolized the habits practiced by the people of Pringgasela Selatan village in caring for the Earth and its contents. It signified that the villagers have their own ways or traditions in managing and caring for the land, passed down by their ancestors.
Additionally, the event acted as a bridge to cultivate awareness and concern for the culture in Pringgasela Selatan village, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Pemajuan Kebudayaan Desa (Village Cultural Advancement) aims to build self-sufficiency, well-being and sustainable livelihoods synergizing with various resources in the village. Through the process of meetings, development and utilization carried out by 315 participating villages in the program since 2021, the goal is for villages to become self-reliant and empowered.
Meanwhile, Apresiasi Desa Budaya (Cultural Village Appreciation) is a form of recognition and appreciation for the achievements of villages and communities in asserting themselves as Cultural Villages. It serves as the pinnacle event of the Cultural Village Advancement program held annually since 2021.
Syukur Asih Suprojo, the coordinator of the Cultural Resilience Task Force, highlighted that the PKD aims to build self-sufficiency, well-being and sustainable livelihoods in synergy with various resources in the village. From 2021 to the present, 315 villages have participated in the PKD.
The awards under the Apresiasi Desa Budaya this year were given to Danau Lamo village, Jambi; Klungkung village, East Java; Denai Lama village, North Sumatra; Bayan village, NTB; and Pule village, East Java. This is seen as evidence that culture can be a driving force with positive effects on society, opening possibilities for broader cultural development and utilization.
Irini Dewi Wanti concluded that Apresiasi Desa Budaya was expected to raise awareness nationwide about the power of culture as a direction for policy and the implementation of national development.
Syukur Asih Suprojo added that the government's support for cultural progress in Pringgasela was evident through these activities. “This event is aimed at strengthening and supporting village development, as well as increasing the awareness of the younger generation about their village. It is essential not only to strengthen unity and maintain relationships among the villagers but also to preserve cultural traditions, especially regarding food security, which is traditionally passed down through generations,” he said."
