Community Week: Teknologi Tepat Guna Berbasis Alam & Ragam Budaya Ciptagelar

Summary

The video explores the traditional yet technologically adaptive community of Kasepuhan Ciptagelar, nestled in the remote foothills of Mount Halimun, Sukabumi, Indonesia. This community, rooted in a 654-year-old heritage, maintains a balance between preserving ancestral customs and embracing modern technology. They use local resources to generate their own electricity through micro-hydro systems and operate a local television network, Jiga TV. With a focus on self-sufficiency, the community also provides internet access and trains younger generations in coding, electronics, and technology, demonstrating their commitment to both tradition and innovation.

Takeaways

• 🌾 The Ciptagelar community has preserved its traditions and heritage for 654 years, maintaining a balance between ancestral customs and modern technology.
• 📺 They have created their own local TV station, Siga TV, which broadcasts community activities and historical footage, reflecting their cultural and technological advancements.
• 💡 The community is self-sufficient in electricity through the use of micro-hydro power plants, initially developed in the 1980s using local resources and expanded since then.
• 🛠 The micro-hydro power stations now provide electricity to over 1,450 households, showcasing the community’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.
• 🌱 The Ciptagelar community emphasizes sustainability by preserving forests and water resources, which in turn support agriculture and electricity generation.
• 🌍 They have adapted to the digital age, integrating modern technology like fiber optics and digital TV to ensure wider accessibility for local households.
• 🏫 The community established Jiga Sakola, an educational initiative focused on teaching technology skills like coding and electronics to the younger generation.
• 📡 To overcome internet accessibility challenges in rural areas, Ciptagelar has built its own independent internet service provider, supporting communication across five villages.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Cultural preservation is emphasized through digital media, allowing younger generations to reconnect with their ancestors by viewing archived footage.
• 🚀 The community’s approach to self-reliance, both in technology and cultural preservation, serves as an inspiring model for sustainable and innovative development in rural settings.

Q & A

What is the significance of Kasepuhan Ciptagelar in terms of cultural heritage?

Kasepuhan Ciptagelar is a traditional community that has maintained its cultural heritage for 654 years. It preserves the ancestral traditions and practices of the Sundanese people while integrating modern technologies.

How does Kasepuhan Ciptagelar balance tradition and technology?

The community of Kasepuhan Ciptagelar upholds ancestral traditions while embracing modern technology, such as creating local television stations and utilizing micro-hydro power plants for electricity. This shows their ability to integrate modern advancements without compromising their cultural values.

What role does 'Siga TV' play in the community?

Siga TV is a local television station established by the community leader, Abah Ubi, in 2008. It broadcasts local content, documenting the community's daily life and preserving cultural history for future generations.

How does Kasepuhan Ciptagelar manage to generate electricity for the community?

The community uses micro-hydro power plants, which harness the energy of the local rivers, Cibareno and Cisono, to provide electricity. This system started in 1988 with a small wooden waterwheel and has since grown to five larger power plants, providing electricity to over 1,500 homes.

Why does the community still use analog technology for Siga TV despite digital advancements?

The community continues to use analog technology because many households cannot afford digital equipment. By maintaining analog broadcasts and adding digital options, they ensure accessibility for all members of the community.

What educational programs does the community provide to its younger generation?

Kasepuhan Ciptagelar offers educational programs like 'Jiga Sakola,' which teaches the younger generation about traditional customs, as well as modern skills like coding, programming, electronics, and music, preparing them for future technological advancements.

How has the micro-hydro system impacted the daily life of the people in Kasepuhan Ciptagelar?

The micro-hydro system provides electricity to homes and public spaces, enabling the use of modern conveniences like lighting and telecommunications. It also supports irrigation for agriculture, contributing to the community's self-sufficiency.

What challenges did the community face in establishing the micro-hydro power plants?

Initially, the community faced challenges due to their remote location, which made accessing national electricity grids difficult. They overcame this by using local resources and the labor of over 2,000 villagers to build the micro-hydro systems.

How does the internet infrastructure in Kasepuhan Ciptagelar function?

The community has developed its own internet infrastructure, managed through a local Internet Service Provider (ISP). It uses fiber optic cables and wireless connections to reach remote villages, providing internet access to around 5 villages.

What can be learned from Kasepuhan Ciptagelar's approach to technology and sustainability?

Kasepuhan Ciptagelar demonstrates that it is possible to blend tradition and modernity harmoniously. By utilizing local resources sustainably, the community achieves technological independence while preserving its cultural identity, offering a model for self-sufficient living.