The Wahid Foundation Assisted Women’s Groups Visit Tanoker in Ledokombo

The Wahid Foundation assisted women’s groups from Sidomulyo Village and Candirenggo Village conducted a study visit to the Tanoker Learning Village in Ledokombo, Jember (March 2-3, 2019). There were approximately 35 participants joining this activity. Sekar, the East Java Regional Coordinator, in her speech, said that the purpose of this visit was to learn from Tanoker about the concept of empowerment and peace.

Some of the venues visited were Yang Eyang School, Tanoker Gallery, Minggu Ceria Playground, Lumpur Market, and Kho-Kho Batik Production House. Siti Yulaikah, one of the participants, said that there were many valuable experiences gained from observing and experiencing the local life there.

One of the memorable experiences was a visit to the Yang Eyang School where the Wahid Foundation assisted women learned from the elderly about the spirit to keep learning. "We also learned a lot about how important it is to protect the environment. In Tanoker, banana leaves used as eating utensils," Siti Yulaikah gave an example.

In addition to the places mentioned above, the participants also paid a visit to the Pak-Bapak School. They were explained that this school had previously taught men how to love their wives and children more. However, over time and as more fathers are interested in this school, the students became the early warning team of radicalism in the Ledokombo area. Their task is to filter problems in the area.

The Tanoker group in Ledokombo is one example of the collaboration of women's groups and village stakeholders in preserving the cultural values of local wisdom to build peace at the village level. One of them is by preserving the traditional game called “Enggrang”. Tanoker also tries to develop the potential and character of children and society through various creative activities.

 By: Ester Pandiangan