Galuh Larasati, Melestarikan Budaya Jawa Dengan Bahasa Inggris

Summary

Iker Nusantara, founded by Galuh Larasati (Atik) in Magelang, Central Java, is a unique educational initiative blending traditional Javanese culture with modern teaching methods. The school offers a holistic curriculum combining language learning, traditional games, Yoga, and life skills for children and adults alike. Focused on preserving cultural heritage while promoting personal growth, the school has positively impacted the local community, from teaching the elderly Yoga for health to preparing children for future success through hands-on experiences. Iker Nusantara represents a model for integrating cultural identity with modern education to foster well-rounded individuals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Atik Larasati founded Iker Nusantara in Magelang, Central Java, to provide a unique educational environment for children, blending Javanese culture with modern learning methods.
• 😀 The school uses a combination of Javanese philosophies and English language teaching to preserve local traditions, such as Javanese children's songs and games, while ensuring children can also engage with global languages.
• 😀 Iker Nusantara does not have grade levels. Children of varying ages learn together, which fosters a collaborative learning environment and helps younger students learn from older peers.
• 😀 One of the key activities at the school is gamelan music, which students enjoy because it combines singing and playing instruments, enhancing their creativity and teamwork.
• 😀 Physical activities like swimming and yoga are integral parts of the curriculum, promoting physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
• 😀 Atik emphasizes holistic development through five core values: physical activity, mental exercises, emotional development, character building, and spiritual growth.
• 😀 Yoga classes are offered not only for students but also for mothers and grandmothers in the community, helping them improve their health and find peace in daily life.
• 😀 Atik's approach is to teach by example. She shares her own experiences, including how she pursued writing and used book royalties to fund education, inspiring her students to dream big and work hard.
• 😀 Atik’s philosophy extends to the broader community, encouraging collaboration and responsibility. She believes in sharing knowledge, whether through cooking, crafting, or other community-driven activities.
• 😀 The school also fosters cultural exchange by hosting visitors, including foreign tourists, who can interact with students and engage in language practice, further enriching the learning experience.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of *Iker Nusantara* school?

The primary focus of *Iker Nusantara* is to preserve Javanese traditions while incorporating modern learning techniques. The school provides an environment where children can learn both their cultural heritage and global knowledge, ensuring a well-rounded education.

How does Atik Larasati incorporate Javanese culture into the school curriculum?

Atik incorporates Javanese culture by using traditional songs, games, and cultural activities such as cooking and market-selling. She combines these elements with modern learning, like English lessons, to create a culturally immersive experience.

What role does English play in the education system at *Iker Nusantara*?

English plays a vital role at *Iker Nusantara* as a bridge to global learning. Atik teaches the students in both English and Javanese, allowing them to acquire both linguistic skills while understanding their cultural heritage.

How does the school foster holistic development in its students?

The school emphasizes holistic development by including physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual activities. This includes yoga for mental clarity, swimming for physical skills, and traditional games to develop cognitive abilities and social cooperation.

What makes *Iker Nusantara* different from traditional schools?

Unlike traditional schools, *Iker Nusantara* combines free-form learning with structured education. It has no grade levels, instead encouraging students of all ages to learn together, and it integrates community values, cultural heritage, and practical skills into the curriculum.

How does Atik Larasati integrate yoga into her educational model?

Atik uses yoga to promote physical well-being and mental focus. Yoga helps both children and adults develop a calm, balanced approach to life, and it supports other aspects of their education, such as emotional resilience and physical health.

How does the school promote collaboration among students and the wider community?

The school promotes collaboration by encouraging students to share their knowledge with others, including teaching younger students or even adults. This creates a communal learning environment where everyone contributes to each other’s growth.

What real-world skills do students learn at *Iker Nusantara*?

Students at *Iker Nusantara* learn practical skills such as cooking traditional dishes, selling goods at a mock market, and interacting with foreign tourists. These activities help develop confidence, communication, and basic business skills.

How does Atik’s personal journey influence the school’s mission?

Atik's personal journey, including her experiences of being displaced and the lessons from her family about the importance of education, deeply influences the school's mission. She aims to provide opportunities for children to break out of economic hardship through education and to preserve local traditions.

What is Atik’s long-term vision for *Iker Nusantara* and its impact on Indonesia?

Atik envisions expanding the *Iker Nusantara* model across Indonesia, especially in areas where traditional languages and customs are at risk of disappearing. She aims to create a standardized educational blueprint that combines cultural preservation with modern education, helping future generations connect with their roots while preparing them for a globalized world.