InJourney Cares Cultural Literacy Learning and Exploring History at Ratu Boko Palace

Indonesia's history is rich in cultural heritage that needs to be introduced to the younger generation in an interesting and relevant way. This was done by InJourney Destination Management by inviting 40 male and female students of SD 1 Kebondalem Kidul, Prambanan, Klaten, to participate in the InJourney Peduli Literasi Budaya activity at Keraton Ratu Boko, Thursday (23/1/2025). IDM also provided 100 reading books for the school library of SD 1 Kebondalem Kidul, Prambanan, Klaten.

Through the commitment of Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL), this program aims to broaden students' insight into the history of the Keraton Ratu Boko cultural heritage site and build a sense of love and pride for one of Indonesia's cultural heritages. This activity is part of a series of the 3rd Anniversary of PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney.

“InJourney realizes that employee involvement in every corporate social activity is a company commitment to creating culture who care about the surrounding environment while stimulating to always be dedicated and contribute to the interests of society. We hope that this program can help broaden horizons and knowledge and stimulate school children to be more thirsty for positive information and spark interest in learning," explained Pgs Corporate Secretary Group Head InJourney Yudhistira Setiawan, Thursday (23/1/2025).

InJourney Peduli Literasi Budaya aims to improve cultural literacy skills among the younger generation around the Keraton Ratu Boko cultural heritage site. This program not only focuses on basic learning, but also on developing broader skills, especially in the field of local arts and culture. This is in line with the Asta Cita program which targets improving the quality of Indonesian human resources through education.

The activity began with a mancakrida group activity guided by InJourney Destination Management employees. This activity aims to build enthusiasm and togetherness among students before exploring the site built by Rakai Panangkaran, around the 746-784 AD century.

After that, the students were invited to tour the Keraton Ratu Boko area to learn about the environment and history attached to this cultural heritage site. The exploration was guided by experienced tour guides who provided interesting explanations about the history of Keraton Ratu Boko.

"Learning history through direct experience at cultural sites such as Keraton Ratu Boko provides real context for students. They do not only read about history from books, but also see, touch, and experience historical sites directly, which makes the learning more real, meaningful and easy to understand," explained Pgs Corporate Secretary Group Head InJourney Destination Management Destantiana Nurina.

Students are also invited to learn to play the traditional musical instrument gejog lesung. This musical instrument has a high traditional value, usually played together by the community after the rice harvest as a form of expression of happiness.

Gejog lesung is also closely related to the legend of Bandung Bondowoso and Roro Jonggrang. At that time, Bandung Bondowoso was asked to build a thousand temples in one night to prove his supernatural powers so that he could marry Roro Jonggrang. In the story, Roro Jonggrang mobilized farmers in the villages to play gejog lesung music in the middle of the night so that the rooster crowed as a sign that it was dawn and thwarted Bandung Bondowoso's efforts.

At the end of the exploration, the students participated in an art activity in the form of coloring objects of Ratu Boko Palace on canvas paper that had been provided. This activity was designed to hone creativity as well as being a means for students to express their imagination through color. This activity is expected to provide a fun experience while deepening students' love for local culture.

"Activities such as coloring or playing traditional musical instruments not only introduce students to culture, but also develop creative skills and the ability to work together. This is important for the formation of a balanced character between intellectual and emotional," he continued.

The Learning and Exploration of Indonesian Cultural Heritage and Traditions at Keraton Ratu Boko invites students to learn history in depth, reflectively with more explorative activities. This method allows students to understand history in a more personal and relevant way.

"They are not just recipients of information, but also active participants in the learning process, so students are more likely to remember and appreciate the lessons they receive. This approach also builds curiosity and intrinsic motivation, which are important foundations for lifelong learning," he explained.

Meanwhile, one of the fourth grade students, Nizam, said he was happy to be able to visit Keraton Ratu Boko while learning about history and playing traditional gejog lesong music.

"Hopefully activities like this can continue to be carried out for friends from other schools so that learning history can be more enjoyable," he concluded.