Kolintang is encouraged to enter school, the government asks PINKAN to submit a formal proposal
JAKARTA - Kolintang is encouraged to be further included in the education room after being recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in December 2024. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon asked PINKAN Indonesia to submit a formal proposal so that the plan can be discussed with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
This was conveyed by Fadli when receiving an audience from the National Kolintang People's Association or PINKAN Indonesia at the Ministry of Culture's office, Jakarta, Monday, May 4.
During the meeting, PINKAN reported the development of kolintang in a number of regions. The competition at the elementary and junior high school level has been held in Manado and Surabaya. The interest of young children is also beginning to grow, especially in Surabaya.
However, the development in Jakarta is considered not as strong as other regions. The role of the coach is said to still need to be expanded so that kolintang is introduced from school age.
"We encourage that the proposal can be officially submitted, so that it can become the basis for coordinating with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education," said Fadli.
According to Fadli, the kolintang can be strengthened through extracurricular activities in schools, especially in areas where the kolintang ecosystem is already active. He also assessed that knowledge about intangible cultural heritage needs to be included in formal education.
Fadli gave an example of keris and wayang which already have special study programs at universities. Kolintang, said Fadli, has the opportunity to take the same path.
The Ministry of Culture also opened the opportunity for support through the Indonesian Raya Fund. The scheme can be used for festivals, competitions, training, and kolintang workshops.
The Chairperson of PINKAN Indonesia, Penny Marsetio, said that the kolintang had been included in the curriculum at several institutions, including Manado International School, Satya Wacana Christian University Salatiga, and ISI Bali. Negotiations were also carried out with ISI Padang Panjang.
PINKAN also prepared a collaboration of performances and the involvement of children with special needs. Penny said that the people of North Sulawesi hoped that there would be a kolintang conference to strengthen public understanding after UNESCO's recognition.
Cultural activist Franki Raden considers kolintang worthy of consideration as Indonesia's national music. The reason is that kolintang is rooted in Indonesian culture, but uses a diatonic tone system so that it is easy to use in music education.
The challenge now is no longer just to preserve the kolintang as a legacy. What is more difficult is to ensure that the musical instrument is alive in schools, stages, and learning spaces for the younger generation.