Sumbawa forum pushes preservation of Tau Samawa culture
The 150-person forum stressed that Tau Samawa identity comes from daily social practices, not birth alone.
A cultural forum on “Budaya dan Identitas Tau Samawa” in Sumbawa on Saturday urged preservation of local values as part of the nation’s cultural wealth. The event, attended by 150 participants, featured Johan Rosihan, Rusli Cahyadi and Sumbawa artist Iqbal Sanggo. Johan said cultural dialogue needs to remain open so local values can be documented, studied scientifically and passed to the next generation. Rusli Cahyadi, citing anthropologist Peter R. Goethals’ research in Desa Rarak, said Tau Samawa identity is not static but is shaped through participation in community life, including kinship, farming, religious activities and social obligations. Iqbal Sanggo added that Tau Samawa culture should be a source of inspiration in facing globalization, not merely a legacy of the past.