Ramdi Indang
KOTA KINABALU (Thurs 10 Aug): The establishment of a ‘Customary School‘ also known as ‘Sekolah Adat Anak Negeri’ for Indigenous Communities in Sabah could address several important objectives and concerns related to the preservation of cultural heritage, education, and community empowerment.
President of Pertubuhan Sakag Dusun Talantang Sabah (Sakag Talantang), Ramdi Indang said preservation of cultural heritage of indigenous communities had unique traditions, languages and customs that are passed down through generations.
He outlines several benefits of establishing this school. A dedicated Sekolah Adat he said, could provide a formal setting to teach and transmit these cultural elements to younger generations, helping to preserve their identity and heritage.
“A school designed specifically for Indigenous Communities can ensure that the curriculum and teaching methods are culturally sensitive and relevant. It can incorporate traditional knowledge, practices and values into the educational experience, which may not be adequately addressed in mainstream schools,” he said.
Ramdi was commenting on Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jeffery Kitingan call for Sekolah Adat to be established across the Borneo region.
Opening the Hari Orang Asal Sedunia at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Tuesday, Dr Jeffery highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous culture, language, knowledge, and tradition.
Towards this end, he acknowledged the importance of establishing and participating in activities that promote the culture and traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples through ‘Sekolah Adat’.
“Sekolah Adat stands as a beacon in our efforts to safeguard and nurture our rich indigenous heritage. These institutions are pivotal in ensuring our younger generations are rooted in their identity and equipped with the knowledge passed down through the ages,” Dr Jeffery said.
For the record there are now five Sekolah Adat in Sabah and seven more are under construction. Dr Jeffery urged for more such institutions be established across the Borneo region.
In supporting the establishment of more Sekolah Adat across Borneo, Ramdi said in term of linguistic diversity, there is no doubt community of Orang Asal have their own languages that are at risk of being lost over time.
“A Sekolah Adat could offer language instruction and documentation, contributing to the preservation of linguistic diversity.”
“The school must have curriculum that could encompass not only academic subjects but also traditional skills, crafts, and knowledge that are essential for the community’s livelihood and well-being,” Ramdi said.
He added that long term investment of this initiative can empower the community by fostering a sense of pride in their cultural heritage and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to engage in the modern world while maintaining their traditions.
“Many Indigenous communities have their own customary laws and governance systems. A ‘Customs School’ could provide education on these systems, helping to ensure their continuity and providing avenues for community members to engage in legal and governance matters,” he added.
Ramdi said the knowledge and practices of Orang Asal often include sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches. Teaching these principles can contribute to responsible and sustainable development in the region.
“These indigenous knowledge often includes holistic approaches to health and well-being. Incorporating these teachings into the school curriculum could contribute to improved community health,” he added.
In the process, a Sekolah Adat could serve as a platform for cultural exchange, promoting understanding and respect between Indigenous communities and the broader society.
Ramdi is confident that the school could facilitate research and documentation of Indigenous customs, traditions, and knowledge, contributing to academic and cultural archives.
He stressed that, it’s important to approach the establishment of such a school in collaboration with the Indigenous communities themselves ensuring that their perspectives, needs, and aspirations are central to the planning and implementation process.
“It would also be important to secure funding and support to make the school sustainable and effective in achieving its goals,” he said.
The Sabah Customary Practitioners Association (Sunduan Nabalu) was the only association in the state that has established the Sekolah Adat so far. They started the idea five years ago with plan to build one Sekolah Adat for each district.
Now they have five schools in Suang Mongkobung Telipok, Kg Lomawan (Tuaran), Batu Tunggul (Pensiangan), Kg Talungan (Telipok) and Ulu Keramuak (Tongod). Sunduan is planning to establish seven more such school this year.
