UNAIR NEWS – The second phase of the Assisted Village Development Program (PPDB) continues in Jepang Hamlet, located in Margomulyo Village, Bojonegoro Subdistrict, East Java. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Sulikah Asmorowati, S.Sos., M.DevSt., Ph.D., a lecturer from Universitas Airlangga’s Public Administration Department, Dr. Violeta Schubert from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and Dr. Mary Mangai from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Centered on the concept of co-production, the program aims to foster the growth and preservation of the local culture of the Samin community in Bojonegoro. This year’s activities included focus group discussion (FGD) to explore how the co-production model is being applied within the community and to hear directly from locals about their experiences and insights. Through co-production, the community and local government work hand in hand to create innovations and solutions that help preserve Samin cultural heritage.
“The community has gained a deeper understanding of the co-production concept and has successfully implemented it to both protect and promote the Samin culture to a broader audience,” explained Sulikah Asmorowati.
Aligning Co-Production with Samin teachings
The alignment between the co-production model and the teachings of the Samin people is apparent in how the community works together without placing individual interests above the collective good. Their efforts to protect nature and culture as part of their ancestral legacy are carried out through mutual cooperation. This approach is in line with the Samin philosophy, which emphasizes simplicity, social responsibility, and the importance of living in harmony.
The community’s effective use of the co-production model is exemplified by the annual Samin Festival, a platform for celebrating and promoting Samin culture. Additionally, women have been empowered through the production of Obor Sewu batik, a signature product of the Samin people, and there has been successful collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and academics.
“The village government and the community are fully aware of the importance of preserving the Samin culture. They adhere strongly to the principle of mutual cooperation, ensuring the sustainability of their cultural practices. Samin values encourage the community and the government to work together effectively,” Asmorowati added.
In the end, she hopes this community engagement program will continue and bring even greater benefits, particularly in developing other local potentials in an inclusive and participatory manner. This will help preserve the nation’s cultural heritage while promoting the well-being of the village community.
Author: Tim Pengmas Administrasi Publik
