Acehnese children overcome trauma through dance and song

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 05/01/2006 10:30 AM  |  Life

More than a year ago they lost their parents and family.

It's not easy to smile and to play again with their friends, as they used to be before the tsunami.

But through traditional dance and song they have rebounded, overcoming their hardships.

Facilitated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and non-governmental organization Sacred Bridge, dozens of children living in villages and barracks have been meeting regularly to participate in seudati, saman, rapa'i and seurune kale'e (music, dance and cultural activities).

Since April last year, four veteran exponents of traditional Acehnese arts have been training the orphans.

Han Qunli, UNESCO director, said that the program was a cultural healing initiative. At the same time it helped Acehnese preserve their culture, he added.

UNESCO, Sacred Bridge and the Tourism and Culture Ministry have joined forces to share the children's experience with the capital.

A cultural event, titled Rising Above Tsunami: A Transmission of Acehnese Cultural Heritage, will feature not just dance, but portray the process of cultural healing.

The event will be held May 9 at Sapta Pesona Building at the Tourism and Culture Ministry, Central Jakarta -JP

caps file:

;; ANPAv..r.. Photo-Headline news Photo caption JP/03/CAPS

Photo caption A Courtesy Sacred Bridge

Acehnese teenage girls are shown enjoying themselves while performing the saman dance.

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.