Sanggar Uma Jaraik Sikerei, a place where women get the time and space to advance culture in an inclusive manner. It emerged as an important milestone in the preservation and development of local wisdom in Mentawai. Since 2006, this studio has not only been inspired by Yosep Sagari as the head of the studio. But also by elders who preserve culture.
The long journey began with the studio's participation with artists in 2006. Then, in 2010, it became an official community in Mentawai. As time goes by, the studio continues to be committed to cultural preservation. In 2015, it received a mandate to be more active in preserving culture. The next step is to get legal aid in the same year and be officially recognized nationally and internationally in 2016.
With 158 activities participated in until 2021, this studio has proven its success. By being entrusted to fill the cultural festival by the Ministry of Education and Culture in. However, the studio faces real challenges in dealing with technological developments that can threaten the preservation of local wisdom.
Previously, women in Mentawai culture rarely appeared because of norms that excluded their roles. However, Sanggar Uma Jaraik Sikerei is trying to change this paradigm. “They show that women have an important role in the Sikerei tradition. "Especially in dance performances which have ritual and daily functions," explained Yosep Sagari.
The importance of women's role in managing family needs is the focus of the studio. Studio Uma Jaraik Sikerei proves that women can compete with men without losing their identity. They succeeded in showing that women can collaborate in Sikerei dance performances with great enthusiasm and extraordinary beauty.
Discussions in the studio never leave out the importance of eliminating the exclusion of women's roles. The studio provides space for women to show their abilities. Such as catching fish in the river, cooking and using traditional tools. They also participate in policy making at the local level.
The importance of providing free education and an inclusive approach is recognized by the studio. They provide opportunities for children to learn and play according to their own interests and ideas. In this way, the studio creates an environment where children can develop themselves without feeling stiff.
“Sanggar Uma Jaraik Sikerei also actively involves children with disabilities, giving them space to express their talents. Sanggar believes in inclusion, that all individuals have equal rights and equal opportunities," he stressed.
Even though the Mentawai tradition strongly adheres to culture and customs, this studio still strives for the government to provide space for all communities. They not only fight for cultural preservation, but also to create equal opportunities and spaces for all, without exception.
With determination and belief that indigenous peoples have the same talents and potential. Sanggar Uma Jaraik Sikerei is proof that preserving local wisdom can be realized by providing space for all elements of society.
From Yosep Sagari's story about how he struggled to realize inclusion amidst cultural preservation through studios, we can of course learn many lessons. Where providing awareness of inclusion through cultural preservation through studios has a profound positive impact on society.
One of them is inclusion ensuring that various groups in society have a recognized role and voice in cultural preservation. This helps represent true cultural diversity, so that all members of society feel valued and recognized.
Then, it can help reduce social and gender inequality. By providing space to all members of society, studios create an environment where every individual has equal opportunities.
Not only that, the studio as a center for cultural preservation can become an arena for holistic education. All children, including those with special needs, can learn about local wisdom and understand their role in society.
And of course, inclusion through studios can be a means of changing views and empowering women. This creates an environment where women can compete on equal terms with men without losing their identity.
Studio can also create a space where tradition and modernity can coexist. By providing space for various talents and ideas, the studio proves that indigenous peoples also have the potential to contribute to the development of modern culture.
It can also be an example for the government in encouraging inclusion policies. Through the studio experience, the government can realize the importance of providing equal space and opportunities for all elements of society.
The value of inclusion through the studio also teaches people to appreciate diversity of abilities. This is not only about physicality, but also about the diversity of talents and potential that each individual has.
Make cultural preservation efforts more relevant. All members of society, including those who may be considered minorities, have the responsibility and right to participate in preserving local wisdom.
Lastly, the studio provides opportunities for children to grow and develop according to their interests and potential. This helps create a generation that is engaged, creative and cares about their cultural heritage.
Thus, the studio as a center for cultural preservation is not only a forum for preserving ancestral heritage. But it is also an important catalyst in creating a society that is inclusive, fair and just.
