School Teacher Preserves Culture through Digital Application

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An elementary school teacher in Semarang created a learning application software called Ayo Sinau Bahasa Jawa (Let's Learn Javanese Language). The application is designed in the form of attractive game of arranging Javanese alphabets into Javanese words.

"Until today, there is hardly any progress for children to learn Javanese words, because in their mindset, Javanese alphabets are difficult to understand," said Estu in the media gathering with Intel in Bogor, September 11, 2013. She considered that the lack of children interest will hamper the preservation of Javanese language.

Without any formal background in information technology, Estu started to work on the application to facilitate her students in learning Javanese words. "I learn from any sources, websites and books," said the former teacher of Hidayatullah Elementary School.

In 2011, the appearance of the application was improved. It has a main character of a man with blangkon (Javanese traditional hat) and striped clothes. Batik themes and folk song Gundhul-gundhul pacul became the attractive parts of the game.

Estu has yet to patent her creation, it can be downloaded through the site www.sinauaksarajawa.blogspot.com and www.estupitarto.com. "Please feel free to copy the applications," she said, adding that she also have no intention to commercialize it.

"My purpose is solely to facilitate children to learn Javanese alphabets to preserve the culture," she concluded.

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