Indonesia
Learn Hanacaraka on Literacy Day
In Sidoarjo, East Java, dozens of students gathered on paseban city square, Monday afternoon, September 8th 2014. They seemed focus giving color to a sign “Indonesia” in three literatures; Latin, Arabian and Javanese. Their activity was caught under Julie de Valckenaere’s attention, a student of University of Ghent, Belgium, who happened to be crossing by. Julie was attending a student exchange program in Indonesia. She said it was the first time she became aware of Hanacaraka or Javanese alphabet.
“I’ve never heard of Javanese alphabet before. All this time i was only familiar with Latin. Yes, i also know something about Arabic letters they use in Muslim countries, and Kanji of Chinese. But, Hanacaraka? It’s fascinating,” the 22 years old girl said in awe.
Upon hearing Julie’s comment, students of Al Muslim Sidoarjo Kindergarten-Elementary School became more enthusiastic finishing their work. The principal Ummul Jazilah said, although it’s limited on coloring, this is a first step of introducing Javanese alphabet (Hanacaraka) and Arabic (Hijaiyah) to students of Kindergarten and fourth grade Elementary School who participated in.
This program also aim to support the governor, and head of district decree related to 2013 curriculum that puts local language and Quran Read and Write (BTQ) into obligated classes at school. “We deliberately have this outside. We pick outdoor area to improve kid’s enthusiasm toward the activity,” Ummul laid out.
As a bonus, people around the square can also watch and become aware Hijaiyah and Hanacaraka alphabet. It’s included Julie who came by alone. “The letters are very attractive. I am interested to study Hanacaraka,” Julie explained.
HAFIDA INDRAWATI
PHOTOS: SATRIA NUGRAHA
