Supporting Food Security, IPB University’s OVOC Program Preserves the Melatu Wini Culture in the Village of Liyu

IPB University, through the Freedom of Learning – Independence Campus Program (MBKM) Sociopreneur One Village One CEO (OVOC) program organized by the Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development in collaboration with PT Adaro Indonesia and the village government, successfully held the Melatu Wini Festival 2023.

Melatu Wini is part of a series of traditional rice cultivation processes carried out by the Dayak Deah indigenous community. The event took place at the Liyu Customary Hall, Halong Subdistrict, Balangan Regency, South Kalimantan Province, fon 1-3/12.

“The Melatu Wini Festival is part of the annual Ngumo Ngentaotn ritual. This activity is a series of rice planting processes by the Dayak Deah indigenous community, involving the recitation of mantras and prayers in the Bawo language to the creator and guardian of rice, hoping for a bountiful harvest from the seeds sown,” said Sukri, the Head of Liyu Village.

He continued, mountain rice is a potential commodity developed in Liyu Village and serves as a primary source to meet local food needs.

Dr Ahmad Junaedi, as one of the innovators of the IPB 9G rice variety, stated that through the OVOC Program, IPB University had the opportunity to provide guidance on the importance of maintaining food security based on local wisdom.

“We share five successful farming techniques with the community, namely good intentions, treating the land well, adjusting the time to natural conditions, paying attention to plants, and harvesting and being grateful for the results,” he explained.

According to him, the Dayak Deah indigenous community, especially in Liyu Village, has its own way of managing rice crops, ensuring that local cultural wisdom is preserved and food security is achieved.

The IPB University OVOC team had the opportunity to create a demonstration plot for the IPB 9G rice variety, guided by expert Dr Ahmad Junaedi. The demonstration plot aims to serve as a learning tool to introduce the national superior variety of rainfed rice to farmers.

The Melatu Wini Festival is expected to help enhance efforts to maintain food security by increasing the knowledge and awareness of the community, preserving local cultural wisdom and traditions, boosting the local economy through the promotion of local products and crafts, and encouraging community participation in ensuring the success of such activities. (*/Lp) (IAAS/DSR)