Fighter for the Rights of Indigenous People

KOMPAS/EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA

Modesta Wisa

The rights of the indigenous people are becoming increasingly eroded. The interest of the young generation in learning about adat (custom) is also lessening. As this could cause the people to lose their identity, this prompted Modesta Wisa, 27, to establish the Samabue Customary School.

Dozens of Samabue Customary School (SAS) students danced in Menjalin district, Landak regency, West Kalimantan, on Sunday (2/12/2018) afternoon. The traditional Dayak Kanayatn dance is one of the subjects taught at the school.

Under the mentorship of a number of volunteers consisting of young people and customary leaders in the area, SAS students danced enthusiastically outdoors, where they study.

SAS was founded by Wisa in 2016. The reality of her surrounding environment prompted Wisa to establish SAS. One time, she realized that the forest in Samabue Hill in Menjalin, where she came from, was under threat from mining activities following the issuance of a mining permit. In fact, the forest has an important meaning for people’s lives, serving as a source of water.

Another problem for the indigenous people is identity crisis. The passion of the younger generation in learning about adat has decreased because they have different interests. “The customary leaders find it difficult to transfer their traditional knowledge to the younger generation because there is no place or organization for that purpose,” Wisa said.

If this problem is not immediately addressed, it will make the community lose its identity. Adat recognizes the reality of differences and the need for mutual respect. Those are the noble values ​​of Indonesian culture. At present, such matters are not taught at school.

Wisa participated in leadership training for the next generation of indigenous people in 2015 at the Sungai Utik longhouse in Kapuas Hulu regency. In a month-long leadership exercise, each participant was asked to make a commitment.

Wisa committed to establishing the Samabue Customary School. “Samabue” was taken from the name of the hill in the village, which was under threat from mining activities after the issuance of a mining permit. The name Samabue is used as a symbol of resistance against the threat of forest destruction.

“After returning from the leadership training, I invited my friends to meet in my area of ​​origin, Menjalin. Initially, there were four friends of mine. They’re all women and have the same vision as me,” she said.

During the meeting, Wisa shared her anxiety. It turned out that her friends also had the same concerns with Wisa, so they agreed to start a movement in education.

SAS, which was established on Feb. 24, 2016, has become a way to preserve local wisdom and bridge the gap between the younger generation and elders in the village, particularly in learning about the Dayak Kanayatn customs.

At its inception, there were only five students and five volunteers who taught in Menjalin. The learning process does not have to be at the school building, so long as it involves the environment and community.

KOMPAS/EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA

Modesta Wisa (center)

“The effort to strengthen local wisdom is carried out through various lessons, such as fairy tales or singara in Dayak Kanayatn language. Then, it also happens through traditional dances, traditional games, making traditional dishes and local history. In each lesson, there are noble values ​​that are emphasized,” he explained.

The students at the customary school are 5 to 15 years old. The learning time depends, but on average it is once a week.

The students are also educated about the environment. They are given insight about preserving the environment. They are also provided with English-language education, which Wisa hopes can open their horizons to the outside world.

A number of challenges

It was not easy for Wisa to establish SAS. At first, SAS was opposed by the local district administration. Some said what Wisa did was like a profitable project. In fact, Wisa set aside money from her personal pocket for SAS activities.

“In its activities, SAS prioritizes togetherness. So when there is a special event, SAS students also donate rice or vegetables to eat together. We encourage the spirit of togetherness and caring,” said Wisa.

Another challenge is that some of Wisa’s colleagues have gone to Java. Thus, Wisa has to find other volunteers who can fill any vacant positions. Fortunately, there are always people who are interested in volunteering.

Parents are actually very happy with SAS. Those who join the SAS are not only Dayak children, but also those from other tribes and religions.

Now, SAS has branches in several regencies, namely in Menjalin, Landak regency, with schools in 10 kampungs, two in Kubu Raya regency and one in Ketapang regency. In total, SAS students reach 320 people with 25 volunteers involved.

Thanks to her movement, Wisa has received a number of awards. In 2016, Wisa received an award from the governor of West Kalimantan for her work in campaigning for environmental issues. In 2018, she was elected as the Pioneer of the Social Culture Field.

Wisa has a dream of established SAS branches in all regencies in West Kalimantan to preserve local wisdom and fight for the rights of the indigenous people. She hopes that the younger generation does not forget their identity.

KOMPAS/EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA

Modesta Wisa

Modesta Wisa

Born: Seringkuyang, Landak regency, Nov. 16, 1991

Education: Elementary school SDN 05 Menjalin, 1997-2003; Junior high school SMPN 01 Menjalin, 2003-2006; Senior high school SMA Santo Ignasius Singkawang, 2006-2009; College Poltekkes Kemenkes Pontianak, majored in public health, 2009-2012

Organization: A member of women’s group AMAN, 2015-2018; Council of Customary Youths in Kalimantan, 2015-2018; Founder of 1,000 Teachers in West Kalimantan, 2015; Founder and head of Samabue Customary School, 2016-present

Awards: Award from governor of West Kalimantan for campaigning about the environment, 2016; Pioneer on social and cultural issues, 2018