Depok, August 10th 2023. The Service Team of the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), Universitas Indonesia (UI) held a Festival and Cultural Exploration of Sumba as part of the Community Service and Empowerment Program (Pengmas), which took place on 6th–9th of August 2023. This community service program aimed to celebrate Sumba’s cultural richness, as well as explore its potential, such as in the field of technology and tourism, to face global challenges.
Head of FIB UI Service Team, Dr. Hendra Kaprisma, said that through this activity, the FIB UI Service Team is committed to carrying out a dialogue with the West Sumba Regional Government in order to formulate a strategy for cultural revitalization and development of a creative economy in the midst of global dynamics. “Through intense dialogue, it is hoped that concrete solutions can be created which support the development of West Sumba,” said Dr. Hendra who is the General Manager of FIB UI.
The community service program was run by a Service Team consisting of FIB UI lecturers and students. Several lecturers were involved, namely Diah Kartini Lasman, M.Hum. as Head of the Sumba Toponymy and Cultural Festival Research Team; and Dr. Abellia Anggi Wardani and Nazarudin, M.A. as members of the research team. The students participating in the program were Syifa Nurannisa Fadjar, Diajeng Nathaneilia Rafwa Salsabila, and George Rheky Mikhael Taliak from the French Study Program; and Raisya Rahmawati from the Russian Study Program.
After carrying out the community service program for four days, the FIB UI Service Team held the highlight of the event by presenting a series of dance performances, poetry readings, and music performances. On that occasion, traditional dances were performed, such as Kataga, Woleka, and Manuwolu. The event was also enlivened by Junga and percussion music performances, as well as Payawaw and Pakala songs. Not to forget, the commodities of the Sumba home woven fabric market also provided ornaments that enhanced the atmosphere.
The Sumba Festival and Cultural Exploration succeeded in creating a positive symbiotic relationship between UI and West Sumba. The relationship between the two focuses on preserving culture and empowering the creative economy, especially in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that produce woven cloth and coffee. This festival activity received support from various local community figures, including Kristopel Bili from the Wanno Art House, Paulus Tamo Ama with students and teachers at St. Albertus Agung Pada Eweta Catholic Middle School, the Kataga Rua Dance Studio dance group, and the weaving women of Weimangoma Village.
Vice Dean for Education, Research and Student Affairs FIB UI, Dr. Untung Yuwono, who is also a Member of the Community Service Team for the Sumba Festival and Cultural Exploration, said that the spirit of togetherness and collaboration from the FIB UI Service Team has made the Sumba Cultural Festival and Exploration an inspirational forum for local people to explore creativity and forge a brighter future. He said, “Not just an event, this festival is a reflection of commitment in maintaining cultural identity and promoting sustainable economic growth.”
