From Cultivation to Traditional School: The Indigenous Community of Kasepuhan Karang Nunggal

The 'Mustika Adat' Customary School wants to continue to spread the values ​​of local wisdom, so that the indigenous community utilizes communal land of ±1 hectare for school operations. Now, the 'Mustika Adat' Customary School supports operations through freshwater fish farming and vegetable gardens on ±800 hectares of intervention area. The program provides direct benefits to 88 people, including women, young people, and vulnerable groups, and indirectly impacts 400 people.

The “Mustika Adat” Traditional School in Kasepuhan Karang Nunggal is a manifestation of the concern of the traditional elders towards the younger generation who are increasingly influenced by foreign cultures. Seeing this situation, the elders together with the indigenous community established the “Mustika Adat” Traditional School as a space to revitalize tradition. Here, children are taught the art of karawitan, playing gamelan, and performing traditional dances. They also learn manners and how to farm and raise livestock in accordance with ancestral traditions. In addition, they also learn handicraft skills such as weaving and traditional medicine.

To support the operation of the traditional school, the indigenous community utilizes communal land of ±1 hectare to develop freshwater fish farming and vegetable gardens. The results of the efforts are used to support the operation of the school, including completing educational teaching aids. The indigenous community can also enjoy direct benefits from the harvest, fresh fish and vegetables are available at more affordable prices than the market. The process of managing fish farming and vegetable gardens is carried out through mutual cooperation by the management of the traditional school and the indigenous community.

Thanks to the utilization of communal land by the local indigenous community, the progress of the “Mustika Adat” Traditional School is increasingly certain. Children again show pride in their traditions. When there is a traditional event or celebration, gamelan music played by students of the “Mustika Adat” Traditional School becomes one of the main attractions.