The Mendongeng Nusantara Festival Invites The Young Generation To Investigate Cultural Heritage

Mendongeng Festival. (Adelia/VOI)

JAKARTA - In the midst of the swift digital currents that flood the younger generation with instant content and fast food entertainment, the storytelling tradition that has long been an integral part of the archipelago culture has begun to shift.

However, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, emphasized the ability of the Indonesian people to tell stories and tell stories and at the same time live up imaginations that never go out.

"Our DNA is storytelling DNA, telling stories, not just reading," Pramono said while attending the 2025 People's Storytelling Festival: Suara Nusantara at the Indonesian Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jakarta on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

He emphasized that it is much easier for children to absorb messages through stories and fairy tales, especially folklore passed down from generation to generation.

"The stories from mouth to mouth that we have to revive, because storytelling is our advantage," he added.

Pramono considered that in the midst of such fast digital flows, folklore remains a moral anchor for the younger generation. The values of courage, honesty, friendship, and love for the country, according to him, are firmly embedded through classic stories that are close to people's lives.

It was this spirit that moved Navaswara to present the 2025 Suara Nusantara' People's Storytelling Festival, a grand event designed to revive the breath of the Indonesian legend. The chairman of the Nusantara Voice Committee, Cahaya Manthovanani, explained that this festival is a golden bridge to care for Indonesia's oral cultural heritage.

"Through storytelling, children are invited to explore the nation's story. From there, love grows in cultural heritage that is valuable," said Cahaya.

He hopes that the stories of the archipelago will return to life in the ears of the children, not just to be heard, but to really feel their closeness to the country.

The festival will take place on November 15-16, 2025 at Building A Lt. 3 of the Ministry of Education and Culture Complex, Central Jakarta. Of the 223 participants who registered, both students and teachers, 131 participants passed the curation to appear on the Suara Nusantara stage.

The Stage is Prestigious, High Enthusiasm The participants who have exploded along with the rigorous selection process since October. The stages take place as follows: 1. Registration & Upload Video: 11 October 7 November 20252. Preliminary: 8 11 November 20253. Semifinal Announcement: 12 November 20254. Semifinals: 15 November 20255. Final: 16 November 2025

The jury involved were not arbitrary names: Agus Noor (director/author), Kurniawati Yuli Pratiwi, Yunita Andra, and Muhammad Ilham, figures who have worked in the arts and literacy of children for a long time.

This festival also received widespread attention and support from various important figures, including DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, Presidential Special Envoy for the Young Generation Raffi Ahmad, as well as officials, foundation leaders, and other cultural institutions.

Pramono offered that City Hall be used as a home for similar cultural activities, as well as opening up opportunities to book folklore from all provinces with Jakarta children.

In addition to competition, Suara Nusantara presents a workshop session Everything Can Tell with Kak Onie from Ayo Fairy Tale Indonesia (AyoDi), which is open to participants and the general public.

The highlight of the event presents a special appearance from the Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence (JAM-Intel) Prof. Reda Manthovanani, who brought Betawi legend 'Si Pitung', gave a live storytelling experience from a public figure.

"This festival is not just a competition, but a momentum to raise awareness that the nation's greatest wealth lies in its cultural diversity," said Cahaya Manthovanani.

Seeing the swift enthusiasm, Navaswara plans to expand the implementation of the Nusantara Voice to other areas.

Chairman of the Pelita Bangsa Inclusion Foundation, Maya Miranda Ambarsari, emphasized that this festival is a space for children to rediscover national identity.

"We believe cultural literacy is an important foundation for generations with character, confidence, and rooted in good values. The enthusiasm of participants proves that our ancestral stories will continue to live." he said.

The Suara Nusantara event was held through the collaboration of Navaswara Bhuwana Kencana and Navaswara.com, as well as the support of dozens of institutions, community partners, and national media.