"Pancasila, religion, and noble culture are the foundations of our educational character. The values of noble traditions can radiate and spread the seeds of goodness, especially for the youth of today and the future," Fajar said, as quoted from a statement received in Jakarta on Friday.
He made this statement while attending the Seren Taun traditional ceremony at the National Cultural Heritage Site of the Paseban Tri Panca Tunggal Building in Cigugur, Kuningan, West Java, on Thursday (June 19).
Fajar was warmly welcomed by the community, as they celebrated the annual Seren Taun ceremony.
He explained that traditional ceremonies like Seren Taun are not only expressions of gratitude for the rice harvest but also serve as meaningful learning opportunities, particularly in shaping the character and national identity of Indonesian children.
"What becomes our tradition must be preserved in the face of existing challenges and various patterns. I believe the Sundanese people can strengthen the connection between the cultural values of tradition and the values of progress," he affirmed.
Fajar also noted that living traditions within society are an inseparable part of the wealth of national culture. He added that these traditions should be preserved and passed down to future generations through the education system.
Seren Taun is known as an annual tradition of the Sundanese indigenous people in Cigugur, serving both as an expression of gratitude for the harvest and as a symbol of harmony among humans, nature, and culture.
Fajar emphasized that as part of Indonesia's rich cultural heritage, the Seren Taun ceremony belongs not only to the people of Kuningan but also to all Indonesians.
"The gratitude (expressed) for the harvest in Seren Taun demonstrates our food security, which President Prabowo often refers to as 'food sovereignty.' It has been proven and realized. This represents the social capital of our food strength," he concluded.
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Translator: Tri, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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