Head of Sakuranesia, Sakura Ijuin, said in Adonara, NTT, on Monday that the assistance aims to help the education sector in NTT, especially on Adonara Island.
"We visited a badly damaged Christian school and an Islamic kindergarten as part of a school restoration project funded by a Japanese donation foundation," she informed.
Sakuranesia symbolically handed Rp2 million (around US$124) to Surya Mandala Christian High School and TKA Raudhatul Athfal Nurul Iman Waiwerang out of the total aid of Rp70 million (around US$4,365) per school, she said.
Sakura was impressed by the welcome given by the Lamahala indigenous community — from parents, religious leaders, and teachers to school students — to the Sakuranesia group who wore the Kewatek handwoven fabric (tenun) on their sleeves to signify deep friendship.
"I like Moe (I love you)," Ijuin said.
Around 500 people from the local community also welcomed the group when they visited three historical buildings with the words "Pana Raran Gere Lewo" (Road to the Village) in the Lamahala traditional bale.
"This ceremony also has the meaning of accepting us as part of the family," she said.
Meanwhile, Lamahala community leader Muhamand Agang Goran said that the Lamahala community on Adonara Island had "called" Ijuin.
"This island called 'Miss Sakura, Our Sun.' This is a gift from our ancestors," Goran said.
A number of children aged around six also gave a typical Lamahala dance performance wearing traditional clothing.
Acting Head of Lamahala Village Abubakar Hasan informed that the reception offered a glimpse into the history of Lamahala and the origins of the village, which was formed by traditional institutions around the beginning of the 15th century or 1400 AD, and its local wisdom.
A poet from Lamahala, Bara Pattyredja, also seemed to beguile the visitors, who greeted the people in the local language.
Sakuranesia founder Tovic Rustam informed that the visit involved a group of Rumah Sunting from Riau, who reviewed the cultural potential in Lamahala Adonara, East Flores district.
"For us, the visit gave meaning to the residents of Adonara, bringing new light to us," Rustam said.
Rustam praised the Lamahala people of Adonara Island, who continue to maintain their ancestral traditions with high tolerance and extraordinary cultural potential, in line with the motto of the Indonesian nation, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
Sakuranesia was founded by Sakura Japan and Indonesia. It focuses on helping Indonesian people in the arts, culture, education, and social sectors with the slogan "We Are All One."
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Translator: Kornelis, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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