SURABAYA INDONESIA (ISL News) - In an effort to preserve cultural heritage and support the realization of Asta Cita, PT Pelindo Marine Service (a state-owned enterprise Pelindo business group) invited children from the Rodhiyatul Jannah Orphanage in Kenjeran District and the SIROLAN (Sinau Karo Dolan) Study Group in Kampung Seng Tangguh to learn about and preserve the art of Damar Kurung. The activity, which took place at Surabaya North Quay on Tuesday (11/3), was also an educational moment while waiting for the time to break the fast. This event presented cultural figures who introduced Damar Kurung as a coastal cultural heritage.
Director of Finance, HR, and Risk Management of PT Pelindo Marine Service, Lia Indi Agustiana, who attended and opened the event, also introduced the world of ports and invited the children of the Rodhiyatul Jannah Orphanage and the SIROLAN Study Group to jointly preserve Damar Kurung. "Through this activity, we not only share happiness in the holy month, but also educate children about port activities by inviting them to see firsthand the activities at Tanjung Perak Port while waiting for the time to break the fast. In addition, we also introduce and invite them to preserve one of Indonesia's Cultural Heritages, namely Damar Kurung," she said.
Gresik cultural figure, Kris Adji, who also attended the event, provided education and training on making Damar Kurung to children. He explained the long history and uniqueness of this traditional art. "Damar Kurung has been around since the 16th century during the time of Sunan Prapen and is part of the coastal cultural heritage. Its shape resembles a lantern with four sides, where each side displays a series of interconnected stories. In addition to being a work of art, Damar Kurung also symbolizes light, both physically and as a symbol of the light of Ramadan that brings blessings and hope to all of us," he explained.
The manager of the Rodhiyatul Jannah Orphanage, Ahmad Nur Fauzi, expressed his gratitude for the valuable opportunity given to the children. "This is an unforgettable experience for our children. In addition to receiving educational assistance, they also had the opportunity to enjoy the scenery at Tanjung Perak Port and get to know one of the unique coastal cultural heritages, namely Damar Kurung. In this month full of goodness, we really appreciate this initiative as a form of concern for education and cultural preservation," he said.
Lia Indi also added that this activity also involved young employees of PT Pelindo Marine Service in preserving culture and building closeness with children around Tanjung Perak. "We want young employees to participate in efforts to preserve culture while feeling togetherness and social concern. By sharing knowledge and happiness with children, we hope to instill cultural values and reap blessings in this month of Ramadan," he explained.
Through this activity, PT Pelindo Marine Service not only instills the values of togetherness and social concern, but also contributes to the preservation of culture. This effort is in line with Asta Cita, the eight great ideals of national development, where the cultural aspect focuses on the preservation and strengthening of the nation's cultural identity so that it remains sustainable and can be passed on to future generations.
(ISL News Editorial Team /Corcom PMS/email:islnewstv@gmail.xom).
