Written by: Agetha Tri Lestari*
Riau, Indonesia – In a corner of Rantau Langsat Village, deep in the interior, Syafaruddin, better known as Nek Tatung, is known as a dedicated figure. As Batang Gansal’s Indigenous Peoples Council and Indigenous Peoples chief, he has dedicated his life to preserving tradition, promoting education and fighting for the future of children in the Bukit Tigapuluh National Park (TNBT) forest area.
The School of Datai
Photo: Agetha Tri Lestari
Teaching from Nothing in Datai
Nek Tatung, a voluntarist from Rantau Langsat, has dedicated his life to the education of children in Datai sub-village. ‘Even though it is difficult, I don’t want these children to grow up without being able to read or write,’ he says.
Working with the Sumatran Tiger Conservation Programme (PKHS), a partner of Bukit Tigapuluh National Park (TNBT), Nek Tatung contributes to improving education in remote areas. PKHS’ support allows him to teach basic subject while inspiring children to dream bigger. ‘Education is the key to getting out of limitations,’ she emphasises.
Despite limited access, Nek Tatung’s dedication never wanes. He believes that education and tradition preservation are the keys to a better future. ‘Education is our hope,’ he adds with confidence.
The Children Activity Every Day
Photo: Agetha Tri Lestari
Gambus and Preserving Tradition
In addition to educating the children in academics, Nek Tatung is also a teacher of gambus, a traditional musical instrument of the Talang Mamak ethnic group. He uses the art of gambus as a means to preserve cultural heritage and instil traditional values in the younger generation. For her, gambus is not just music, but an important medium for maintaining cultural identity. He not only teaches academic lessons, but also the value of resilience and fighting spirit that is passed on to the next generation.
‘Through gambus, I want them to understand that tradition is part of our identity. We can move forward without forgetting our origins,’ says Nek Tatung.
The Children of Datai Sub-village
Children in Datai sub-village live in limitations that are far different from children in other areas. Without electricity, internet access and adequate road infrastructure, they face great challenges in their daily lives. However, their commitment to learning remains alive at SDS Marginal Datai, the only school in the village, which only has three modest classrooms. Around 30 students learn to read, write and other basic skills at this school, the result of a local community initiative with the support of various parties.
Sukar, Mangku Datai (Village Chief of Datai – red), says that education is key to the future of his village. ‘We understand about the forest and customary law, but the lack of education is our weakness. That must be fixed so that Datai can develop,’ he said.
Nek Tatung on The Right
Photo: Agetha Tri Lestari
A Lifetime Dedication
Muslimin, a Talang Mamak Indigenous Youth leader, recognises that Nek Tatung is more than a teacher. For Muslimin, he is a heroine of hope. He teaches not only academic lessons, but also the value of resilience and fighting spirit that is passed on to the next generation. ‘Nek Tatung’s dedication to building education in the midst of limitations is clear evidence of his commitment to creating change, even if it starts with small steps. He also protects the environment with a local philosophy: the sky is the father, the earth is the mother, and the forest is the body-bones, veins, and flesh-that must be preserved. He continues to instil this philosophy in the young indigenous generation,’ explains Muslimin.
For Nek Tatung, education is not just about knowledge, but also about building inner strength and passion to achieve dreams. In an ever-changing world, he exemplifies how small acts of sincerity can have a big impact on those in need.
Even though he is almost 60 years old, Nek Tatung is still enthusiastically devoted to the education of Talang Mamak children. Although limited facilities and difficult access, education is the key to opening opportunities for the younger generation. ‘As long as I have time and energy, I will keep trying. These children are our future,’ he said.
*The author is a campaigner of Kaoem Telapak
