Batu Ruyud Writing Camp | Indonesian Literacy Movement at the Border

The slogan of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo is: build Indonesia from the periphery.

This is the realization of that motto, where Dr. Yansen TP, an activist and practitioner of literacy, held what he called “Batu Ruyud Writing Camp”.  

Dr. Yansen TP, and members of 4 friends (Masri, Pepih, and Dodi) in Batu Ruyud.

The Rise of Dayak Literacy on Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world, is in Batu Ruyud, Krayan Tengah District, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan. Even though in the 5th century AD, literacy on “Dayak Island” was known to have started through the Batu Yupa inscription found in the Muara Kaman area, East Kalimantan today.  

Realizing that literacy is eternal, at the same time in accordance with its literal meaning “to enlighten, to enlighten, to enlighten,” Yansen TP also initiated an idea for more “inscription carvers” to come to Batu Ruyud to be literate.  

Coordinating with 3 friends, as well as discussion partners, Yansen held the Batu Ruyud Writing Camp. Namely the camp or writing place for national-level literacy activists and practitioners, which will be held October 27 – November 3, 2022. 

The Batu Ruyud Writing Camp participants first went through a rigorous selection process, with criteria that according to some people were “really very tough”. 

At a minimum, they have published a book at a major publisher, have written more than 10 articles in various media, and have an legion, passion, and have contributed to literacy in their respective communities. 

“They are no longer looking for the stage. In fact, they put Batu Ruyud on stage, by researching, writing, and publishing whatever was in that area. Of course, according to each ability and field of knowledge,” said Yansen TP. 

The literacy program initiated by Yansen TP also includes local residents. They were given provisions to be able to write. Immortalize yourself, the environment, and everything on Krayan’s earth. 

A very valuable provision, how a clan of residents of the Krayan river builds civilization in accordance with the times. If previously the knowledge and skills of parents were silent, not written down (tacit knowledge), through the Batu Ruyud Writing Camp; they were enabled to enter the new civilization of their era, namely the digital era and industry 4.0.

Like the Yupa Stone, The Ruyud stone is also an inscription. Which is always eternal.On December 2, 2022, the Dayak and Sundanese Literacy Declarations were held.

As many as 14 participants and national literacy activists were among the people and students in Krayan to activate and train basic literacy, namely reading and writing.

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Masri Sareb Putra
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