THE EXHAUSTION from the twelve-hour journey from Lamongan to Cirebon seemed to fade the moment I stepped into the cool and leafy Larangan neighborhood. For a moment, I thought I had arrived in a village—as it felt so serene—but it turned out to be an urban housing complex. The warm December sun peeked through the shade of tall trees, and the sight of Mr Agus greeting me with a cheerful smile instantly made the day feel lighter.

He sat comfortably in a chair just opposite me at the baperkam (community meeting hall) that fine morning. When he spoke, his confident gaze drifted, as if deciphering a hidden message from an old passage. His deep voice resonated with self-assurance.

“According to the wise, three things can transcend space and time: human values, education, and the environment.”

In other words, he believes that environmental awareness can help reduce religious radicalism. That remark came from Agus Supriono, who heads a neighborhood in Larangan Cirebon and also runs the Merbabu Asih Proklim (Climate Village Program).

Environmental care leads to food security. (personal doc)

On a visit back in 2018, I had the privilege to walk around the kampong dubbed the Kampung Berseri Astra (KBA) that he oversees, allowing me to finally prove what he claimed. With all the greenery and ample vegetation around, to be honest, I would've mistaken it for a traditional village rather than a housing complex if he hadn't clarified.

From faith diversity to eco-harmony 

From the main gate, on the right side of the road or across from Taman Astra, I saw a path leading to the Bodhi Sejati Temple. We made our way there and then chatted briefly in front of the temple surrounded by shady trees.

Leaving the temple, I turned right and spotted Pura Agung Jati Pramana--a Hindu temple on Bali Street, directly across from a nursing home run by the local Christian foundation. Quite surprisingly, the temple wall stands right next to that of the As-Salam Mosque, symbolizing a beautiful interfaith harmony.

Harmony in diversity, a foundation for sustainable environmental preservation | Personal document

I learned another striking detail from my chat with an older gentleman, Pak Haji. His home, which sits next to the nursing home, has a large yard that's regularly used for bus parking when local Hindus have events at the temple. It's a wonderful illustration of the religious harmony thriving in Merbabu Asih, Cirebon, West Java.

Adherents of other religions, especially Muslims, will volunteer to act as parking attendants and provide security during the event.

"This is what we call smart NKRI, also smart environment!" said Mr. Agus, asserting the value of interfaith harmony.

He confidently explained that the strong sense of togetherness among residents stems from their shared awareness of caring for the environment they inhabit. In essence, the community’s spirit of tolerance becomes the foundation for addressing collective issues — from waste management to flood prevention.

It’s a common sight to see neighbors of different faiths gathering at the baperkam to cook and share meals. They enjoy the harvest from their KRPL (Kawasan Rumah Pangan Lestari — Sustainable Food Area); vegetables and fish are freshly picked, rice is donated by residents, while crackers and side dishes come from others.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, they share the food on banana leaves — a familiar village tradition. Conversations flow naturally, with no barriers of ethnicity or religion. Harmony thrives across generations, uniting both children and adults in a spirit of mutual respect and joy.

Patience leads to awareness

It was Chaidir who first sparked the birth of Proklim Merbabu Asih. Seventeen years ago, he grew worried about the foul smell from a garbage dump near his home. Together with Agus, he decided to take action against the climate-related disasters that frequently struck Cirebon. He vividly recalled the floods, landslides, droughts, and disease outbreaks caused by poor sanitation in those days. Thanks to Proklim’s initiatives, their neighborhood now enjoys a flood-free environment.

“Whenever it rains heavily, the water just says kulanuwun,” Agus joked with a laugh — meaning that the rainwater politely passes through without leaving any puddles behind.

Agus and Chaidir admitted the journey to becoming a prominent Kampung Berseri Astra (Astra's Bright Village) was far from easy. It required endless patience and unwavering commitment to build a community that truly cares for the environment.

Agus leads with wisdom and confidence.

When asked how they inspired residents to adopt a Proklim mindset, Agus mentioned three principles he consistently reminded everyone of. With a firm tone, he stated,

“I couldn't help asking them to think: first, we live within a living environment. Second, the amount of waste grows faster than the population. Third, only a fool would reject a clean village.”

These powerful reminders were delivered during community gatherings, Friday sermons, religious events, and other important occasions.

Gradually, this awareness took root, evolving into a shared energy that sustains their collective spirit of environmental care — an enthusiasm that continues to thrive today.

The energy of shared kindness

At first glance, the word giat (meaning active) may sound ordinary, yet it holds deep meaning. It represents a continuous reminder for residents to stay active — nurturing habits that keep the spirit of togetherness and environmental stewardship alive. It sends a stronger message than the word program for a villager to connect to.

As we left the baperkam, Agus told me that it's imperative to keep away from hotmix-minded when it comes to rural roads. They had therefore chosen paving blocks over asphalt for their village roads so that rainwater could seep naturally into the soil and replenish the groundwater.

“People take so much from the earth,” Agus said thoughtfully, “but they rarely think about giving it back.”

That’s where the infiltration wells play their role. Seventeen of them were built across the neighborhood to collect and store rainwater, ensuring residents could access it during dry seasons.

The biopore point and infiltration well prevent flooding and store water for later use. (Personal doc)

“Honestly speaking we don’t even have our own wells here,” Chaidir added with a grin. “It’s our neighbors who are likely to enjoy our preserved water.”

I nodded when Agus concluded, “In the end, it all turns into goodness!” Because the energy of shared kindness truly thrives through collaboration across faiths in caring for the environment.

This is what genuine environmental harmony looks like: the willingness to act and to share. Floods and puddles are now a thing of the past, thanks to the infiltration wells and 118 biopore points that double as composting spots. Some wells have even been converted into catfish ponds to add more value.

To create more good, rainwater must never go to waste. It’s channeled through special pipes into designated wells—near the mosque, the baperkam, and several other points.

Rainwater harvesting, a productive move for everyone (personal doc)

Beyond water conservation, these reservoirs also help maintain the structural strength of nearby buildings, preventing cracks and erosion.

“The key,” Agus explained when asked how residents first responded to the idea, “is to turn complex concepts into simple language they can relate to.”

Sustainable environmental management 

Thanks to their integrated and sustainable approach to environmental management, it’s no surprise that a refreshing coolness enveloped me as I strolled through the village lanes. Every corner bursts with life—lush greenery shading the narrow alleys and giving the air a soothing calm.

Because of this, Merbabu Asih Neighborhood has earned numerous awards for its outstanding environmental efforts, becoming a model for the government’s Climate Village Program (ProKlim). Here, sustainability isn’t just a slogan—it’s a daily practice.

Fine crafts made of plastic waste (Personal doc)

Everything is transformed into something useful, even waste. Organic trash is turned into compost, while non-organic materials are crafted into products of economic value. Plastic waste, for instance, isn’t discarded but creatively woven into stylish bags worth hundreds of thousands of rupiah. Still, most non-organic waste is collected and sold by mutual agreement.

IDR 150+ millions from waste

To manage the proceeds, residents founded a waste bank named Bank Sampah Secerah Pagi (BSSP)—an acronym for  Semoga Cepat Rapih Pekarangan Asri Gemerlap Indah.

“Well, it’s more than a name—it’s a prayer!” said Dedeh, the cheerful woman overseeing BSSP when I met her that afternoon.

And indeed, “Secerah Pagi” captures the community’s spirit perfectly. Like the morning sun, their energy shines bright—optimistic, warm, and full of life.

Every Saturday morning, BSSP officers would go door-to-door to collect waste instead of waiting for residents to drop it off. The trash is sorted, weighed, and recorded in personal account books. Interestingly, when Agus introduced the infak system—an instruction to sell waste slightly below market price—everyone agreed. Infak is short for instruksi faksa that literally means a forced instruction.

The sales proceeds are distributed after the waste is sold, yet many residents voluntarily donate their earnings to grow BSSP’s fund.

“That’s what I call shared blessings!” Agus said in his deep, proud tone.

For transparency and accountability, residents later established the Secerah Pagi Cooperative. Out of 111 customers, 69 have joined, collectively growing the capital to IDR 152 million—all starting from almost nothing.

The shared ownership allows them to run a life of independence and resilience. (personal doc)

Each member can access small, interest-free loans from IDR 4 to 10 million, with simple terms and flexible repayments. Fund management is handled in a family-like manner, ensuring that every contribution—financial or moral—flows back to strengthen their shared vision of a thriving, sustainable community.

It's obvious the cooperative has not only enabled them to manage their own sustainable food area, but also paved the way toward a life of independence and resilience. Through collective effort and shared ownership, residents have learned to rely on one another, transforming simple waste management into a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Astra’s steadfast support

The success of the waste bank in Merbabu Asih cannot be separated from the consistent support of  PT Asuransi Astra Buana (AAB) , Cirebon branch. As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Astra has been donating non-organic office waste to Bank Sampah Secerah Pagi (BSSP). The waste is then processed and sold by BSSP, with the sales reports transparently shared back with AAB.

This partnership is more than symbolic—it’s sustainable. The continuous flow of support has fueled the growth of the waste bank, allowing the profits to return to the community in the form of welfare and environmental empowerment programs.

Astra’s involvement doesn’t stop there. The company also donated 1,500 tree seedlings to strengthen the village’s greening movement and increase oxygen availability. Residents welcomed this assistance warmly, feeling an emotional and spiritual connection with Astra’s commitment to environmental growth. Over time, Astra also supported the acceleration of  ProKlim (Climate Village Program)  by helping to build a park that serves both ecological and aesthetic functions.

The oxygen zones that provide free fruit and fresh air (personal doc)

Agus and his team further enhanced this effort by establishing  five oxygen zones — green shelters filled with climbing plants that provide shade, clean air, and even edible produce. These plants are not just decorative; they’re functional. Grapes, passion fruit, Japanese cucumbers, and grass jelly vines climb gracefully over poles, offering both nutrition and beauty to anyone who passes by.

“When people at the hospitals spend a lot of money for oxygen, we simply get it from our plants for free,” Agus explained, smiling. His simple message carries profound truth: through planting, people breathe life into their community.

At the main entrance,  Astra Park  stands as a proud symbol of Astra’s social and environmental vision. The park’s  mega mendung  batik motif on the walls serves as a cultural touchpoint, reminding everyone to honor local identity. Next to it, the inscription  Peace of Mind  radiates a message of unity and calm—an embodiment of the interfaith harmony that defines KBA Larangan.

Food security in practice

When Agus mentioned that residents’ monthly contributions remained stable while other neighborhoods faced rising expenses, I couldn’t help but smile in disbelief.

“That’s because they’re secure: secure in the cooperative, in the waste bank, and in education,” Agus said confidently. In short, economic independence has become their foundation.

Visitors who come in groups often contribute financially by filling a charity box, which supports shared meals and environmental management training on the premises. Guests are then treated to Cirebon’s traditional dishes—a delicious way to promote local culinary culture.

Food security here is more than a slogan. It’s a reality. Despite limited land, the residents have managed to transform a once-empty plot into a thriving Sustainable Food Area. The land, owned by one resident, is now a communal farming zone with a small greenhouse for seedlings and nurseries.

On just  60 square meters, they grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits: spinach, kale, bok choy, limes, corn, eggplants, chilies, papayas, guavas, and even tubers—all harvested in turns. Residents can freely take what they need, no purchase necessary.

The sustainable food area, a corner of happiness (Personal doc)

So, while others often complain about rising chili prices, Merbabu Asih residents simply pick fresh chilies from their backyard gardens.

Nothing goes to waste. In one corner of the KRPL, a tarpaulin fish pond measuring about one by six meters is filled with tilapia donated by the local agricultural office. The fish can be harvested whenever needed—often for communal meals at the baperkam.

The spirit of food security extends far beyond this shared land. Across the 5.8-hectare neighborhood, greenery fills every alley and yard. From hydroponic setups to plants in polybags, residents maximize every inch of space in front of their homes.

In front of Chaidir’s house, for instance, I saw water spinach, chilies, onions, kenikir, starfruit, papaya, and moringa flourishing. Mango and guava trees donated by Astra provide shade along the street.

Indeed, food security has become a shared value here. It is a form of collective consciousness about humanity’s dependence on nature. Residents no longer see the environment as separate from their lives but as a partner in sustaining them.

The secret of impactful act 

The unity among diverse religious communities in Agus's neighborhood has created powerful synergy in achieving environmental sustainability and food resilience. It’s no surprise that in  2017, Merbabu Asih was named First Place in Astra's Bright Village (Kampung Berseri Astra) —surpassing five other national finalists.

Victory strengthens their efforts, not emboldens mere pride. (Personal doc)

The award opened doors for other communities eager to learn the secrets of tolerance-driven environmental success. Visitors from other cities, government agencies, universities, and local communities have come to study at this humble neighborhood. Even representatives from Indramayu and Kuningan once learned here, later earning the Adipura environmental award for their own towns—a source of pride for Agus and his team even when Cirebon didn't.

Recognition has also come from abroad. Guests from Malaysia, Australia, Myanmar, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Sweden  have all visited KBA Larangan. They expressed admiration for how a simple, community-based approach could produce such meaningful change.

As one of Astra’s Bright Villages, Merbabu Asih stands as living proof that when people of different faiths come together to care for the environment, harmony is no longer just an ideal—it becomes a daily reality. Here, unity grows from shared values and a collective purpose: to nurture both the earth and the spirit of the community.

KBA Merbabu Asih's winning is due to love and compassion. (Personal doc)

The success of KBA Merbabu Asih is not a story of brilliance or luck, but of courage and perseverance to take the first steps—steps that not everyone is willing to take, as they offer no instant economic rewards. The skill of Agus and Chaidir in uniting the local community—despite differences in faith—has become a vital foundation that ultimately creates lasting, positive impact. And environmental stewardship is the spark that keeps their harmony alive!

 

 

 #APA2025-PLM

Every time indigenous languages come up for discussion, I couldn’t help but recall my brief conversation with a friend from Belgium when he visited Semarang back in 2005. He made it clear that he’s fascinated by the variety of languages that Indonesians speak. Most people, he argued, speak at least two different languages: her/his native language and Indonesian. He admitted that there is no such thing as Belgian mother tongue. In everyday life, his family and he speak Dutch, French, or German.

Javanese script: most valuable treasures and knowledge might be preserved in indigenous languages.

Now compare to what languages we are capable of communicating in: perhaps Javanese or Bataknese, Indonesian, English, and other foreign languages. This excludes any subethnic languages that are also prevalent across the archipelago. It would certainly be a shame if we ignored the continuity of those many indigenous languages ​​simply by avoiding their daily use.

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This is what makes La Ode Mursalim both concerned and thrilled. Born in Watuputih, a small island in the Southeast Sulawesi, the young and optimistic Mursalim uses his abilities as a programmer to preserve an indigenous language. With programming skills, he has created an Android-based Tolaki Language Dictionary application. He was not hesitant at all when he started the project because he had noble goals for his region as well as the native people.

The journey he had taken is indeed worthy of appreciation. It is a bitter fact that not many young people are encouraged to do something for their native region in terms of local languages. What most youths have been working on tends to be economic and entrepreneurial projects that quickly generate profits. It's not necessarily bad, but cultivating culture in terms of language is no less important for the future of our nation.

Endangered indigenous languages

Have we ever imagined that a culture vanished because there was no one left to care for it? To be able to care for it requires a good understanding of the language because cultural treasures—whether in the form of printed literary works, reliefs, or oral stories—are packaged in a particular language. If no one understands it, then society will not find it odd that something is actually missing. More to the point, the fast-paced movement of the times with various advances, especially digital technology, has likely made everyone to be obsessed with their gadgets.

According to the UNESCO, Indonesia is recorded to have 718 indigenous languages ​​spoken by thousands of tribes (as well as sub-tribes) from Sabang to Merauke. In addition to Javanese which was admired by my Belgian friend, there are also Sundanese, Minang, Buginese, Madurese, Acehnese, Banjarese, Batak, and hundreds of other native languages.

However, behind the unique linguistic diversity, it turns out there are other worrying facts. CNN Indonesia once published that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) has determined that there are at least 25 indigenous languages ​​in Indonesia that are threatened by extinction.

Dozens of languages ​​are threatened to be extinct, one of which is owing to fewer and fewer speakers of the languages. Local residents who use it are on average age of 20 years and over so it is considered minimal. As the digital era develops, it is said that the older generation no longer speaks these local languages ​​to their children. Indigenous languages ​​are only used to communicate with the older generation who are the same age.

So what indigenous languages in Indonesia ​​are threatened with extinction? According to the same finding, there is the Sangihe Talaud language from North Sulawesi, the Konjo language from South Sulawesi, the Bajau Tungkai Satu language from Jambi, the Lematang language from South Sumatra, the Minahasan, and the Gorontalo Dialeg of Suwawa from Gorontalo. This is of course what’s recorded as data, while the actual facts may vary due to the vast region of Indonesia, both ethnographically and geographically.

Efforts to prevent language extinction

Under the auspices of the Kemendikbudristek, the Agency of Language Development and Coaching does not stand idly seeing this worrying phenomenon. Based on a thorough research, concrete steps were formulated through an activity entitled Revitalisasi Bahasa Daerah (Indigenous Language Revitalization) as part of the Merdeka Belajar program. Through this program, the younger generation is invited to learn indigenous languages, especially for those who are still attending elementary and middle school.

"This is where maestros, artists, and figures who master indigenous languages, as well as indigenous songs, are performing to deliver speeches, storytelling and other arts," said Abdul Khak to CNN Indonesia on Wednesday, June 29 2022.  Khak is the Head of the Center for Language and Literature Development of the Agency of Language Development and Coaching.

Khak further said that indigenous languages ​​ considered vulnerable to extinction were then taught to teachers by qualified speakers. The aim is to form a chain of language preservation, especially binding students as the next generation of Indonesia's future with ancient knowledge and wisdom preserved in the language.

Building a digital presence

In response to the government program, namely the revitalization of regional languages, another thing that needs to be done is to ensure that the 718 regional languages ​​have a digital presence that can be accessed online anywhere, such as the KBBI (the Big Indonesian Dictionary).

It's no longer a secret that now everyone has a gadget in their hand. Even one person sometimes has more than one device. This is why it is relevant to take advantage of the momentum of technological progress, i.e. to bring the very rich indigenous languages into everyone's grasp. The digital availability of local languages ​​will encourage people to use them because it is easy and practical. It will even be more attractive if it is also equipped with treasures of local culture.

Kids enjoy online learning so indigenous language should be made digital. | Photo: personal doc  

In a semi-virtual event held in Jakarta on December 12, 2020, Prof. Yudho Giri Sucahyo, who serves as the chairman of PANDI (Indonesian Internet Domain Name Manager) reminded the importance of rich culture and linguistic diversity in Indonesia to be supported by online access. The main reason is because today's young people are mostly digital natives. You could say they were 'born and raised' by the Internet.

A spark emerging from Watuputih

In the midst of modernization, La Ode Mursalim from Watuputih is trying to do something to save the indigenous language he loves. Technological sophistication is indeed double-edged; while it may be a threat, it also offers opportunities. He chose a positive perspective by developing an Android-based Tolaki Language Dictionary application.

He made the decision because he really loves programming and has been doing it for a long time. Coupled with his love for Southeast Sulawesi, an app of a Tolaki language dictionary was successfully created which can be accessed on smartphones with Android OS. What Mursalim has done is an incredible endeavor to respond to the challenge presented by Prof. Yudho Giri Sucahyo.

The Tolaki girls from the Southeast Sulawesi | Photo: Antara Foto/Jojon

Tolaki is the language used by the Tolaki tribe, which is a native Kendari tribe. Kendari is very important because it is the capital of Southeast Sulawesi Province. There is a lot of cultural diversity and tourism charm that attracts tourists, both domestic and foreign. The exotic Bokori Island is one to name.

Based on La Ode Mursalim's observations, quite a few local and foreign workers visit Kendari for both tourist and business purposes. In fact, their visit is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of. These traveling guests belong to parties who need the Tolaki language application on their devices as a translator to make it easier for them to interact with the local community.

The birth of this application has finally become a profitable solution. On the one hand, indigenous languages can be preserved through digital documentation that can be accessed easily and quickly. On the other hand, local tourism can be stimulated by the increasing tourist visits to Kendari. 

This eventually leads to an economic acceleration for local residents, one of which is from the sale of typical Tolaki woven cloth which has been tourists' favorite souvenir when visiting Kendari, the Southeast Sulawesi.

Typical Tolaki woven fabric from Kendari remains a favorite on the national market. | Photo: telisik.id

How did Mursalim come to create the indigenous language application? This graduate of Informatics Engineering from the Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) Semarang, recounted firmly,

"The original idea for making this application emerged when I discussed with Tolaki tribe friends who wanted an application that translated Tolaki language into Indonesian."  

 

He began designing the app and working on it from early June 2016 and completed the project in August 2016. He admitted that this application was made possible thanks to the support of people closest to him, one of whom was Alfino, who is a student at the Faculty of Industrial Technology of the same university. He is the one who has played a major role as a language translator. Mursalim has also received assistance from the Tolaki tribal community in Kendari in order to complete the application he developed.

The application was developed on the basis of the Java programming language. He claims his application is the first Android-based dictionary for the Tolaki language. This app can display words quickly by translating two languages, i.e. Indonesian and Tolaki. The Google speech feature is also provided to allow voice to be directly converted into text.

The Tolaki dictionary app to preserve indigenous language | Doc. La Ode Mursalim

When the application was released, some of Mursalim's friends had used it to help them complete their final college assignments. There were also some who consulted with him about how to develop indigenous language dictionary apps.

Challenges and obstacles

In carrying out any endeavor, it cannot be devoid of obstacles. The biggest obstacle Mursalim had experienced in designing and developing the application was composing and inputting words into the database. Additionally, it was also challenging to promote the application to the entire Tolaki community. 

Fortunately, he could overcome the complexity of making applications, including when there are errors which were then corrected by fellow programmers and practitioners who are members of an Android developer forum group. He realizes the importance of networking with many groups, especially those in the same profession, because collaboration would facilitate innovation.

The next challenge is the process of inputting dictionary data. As a database source, Mursalim uses the Big Tolaki—Indonesian Dictionary published by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The problem is, this dictionary is nothing but rare, making it difficult to find in bookstores or local libraries. 

“Finally, I went to look for it among the Tolaki people who still kept or collected these dictionaries.

Another challenge that is no less important is the promotion or the introduction of the new app. Promotion was mostly carried out via the social media and did not receive genuinely optimum support from the local government. Ideally, the marketing of the application is done through paid ads so that the promotional reach is wider and more massive.

How the Tolaki community responded

As soon as the Tolaki language dictionary application was completed and introduced, the Tolaki community in Kendari immediately welcomed it in utter contentment. They are fully aware that the first dictionary application Mursalim has just completed will contribute to the preservation of their beloved Tolaki language, which has been passed down from generation to generation as intangible wealth. 

When introducing his innovation, he divulged that there were administrative issues as well as a lack of local government support that made the application remain unpatented. While only hundreds of people have downloaded the application, he considered that a quick win because those who installed it are the Tolaki people who live in the cities of Kendari, Konawe, and Kolaka. More local people are getting aware of their indigenous language.  

 

Kids of the Buton and Muna tribes in the Southeast Sulawesi | Photo: Korchnoi Pasaribu

Even though the downloads of his application have not yet reached thousands, and this application is no longer found in the Google Play Store, Mursalim held up hopes that the little endeavor he is making will not stop here. This is nothing but a first step, like a spark that will ignite contributions from other young people, both in their own region and in other areas all over Indonesia.

This conforms to what he said, "I have also been asked by the people of Buton to develop a Butonese language dictionary application so as to open up the opportunity for this app to appear in other languages."

The initiative that Mursalim has taken is clearly something we need to cherish and appreciate. It’s not about the result, but noble thought and intuitive action. What Sunita Biddu, a digital business coach and social media advisor, who is also an MSME owner from India, confirms this even firmly.

 

She points out that failure is not when we lose. We are only failures when we decide to give up. With this in mind, Mursalim's effort is never a failure simply due to few downloads or less public attention. In fact, he has not failed at all because he has at least taken a positive action based on love for his people and their native language.

Hope for the future

La Ode Mursalim hopes that the application he created can be further developed so that it can translate sentences instead of words. The potential for developing indigenous language applications is indeed massive because Indonesia is rich in local languages. Apart from Tolaki, Southeast Sulawesi is also home to other languages including Butonese, Wakatobi, Cia-Cia, and many more.

It is not surprising that Mursalim’s initiative and fondness for the preservation of indigenous languages has resulted in him being presented with one of the prestigious award, that is the 2018 SATU Indonesia Awards in the technology category of provincial level. 

The message is conveyed when kids understand the storyteller's language. | Photo: personal doc

As the name suggests, SATU (Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk) Indonesia Awards is a genuine appreciation from PT Astra International, Tbk to honor young people who have contributed to the creation of a sustainable life through the fields of Health, Education, Environment, Entrepreneurship and Technology, as well as one Group Category representing these five fields. 

Referring to a very popular Chinese proverb, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step," La Ode Mursalim has begun a journey in the process of protecting indigenous languages from extinction. In his spirit is love for the cultural treasures of his native homeland or local wisdom which is absolutely a valuable asset to help us live wisely based on noble teachings preserved in the vast variety of our indigenous languages. These are life values and unparalleled blessing that other countries might envy us so we need to locate and conserve them at all cost the entire time.