Tau Samawa Cultural Identity is National Treasure: Indonesian Assembly

Mataram, Indonesia – The Tau Samawa cultural identity is an integral component of Indonesia's national cultural wealth, according to officials from the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI).

Johan Rosihan, Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI Budgetary Body, stressed the importance of cultural dialogues, such as a recent event in Sumbawa, to preserve and study local values. He stated that MPR RI views culture as essential for strengthening national character, with the Tau Samawa people and their heritage representing a significant part of this national identity.

Academics further elaborated that Tau Samawa identity is not static but a social process continuously shaped by community engagement. Drawing on anthropological research, it was explained that belonging to the community is demonstrated through various social practices, including kinship, land ownership, religious activities, and participation in social obligations like neighborhood watches and adat (customary law) life.

Sumbawa artist Iqbal Sanggo highlighted that Tau Samawa culture should serve as a foundation for the future, not merely a relic of the past. Values such as mutual cooperation, respect for tradition, religiosity, and social solidarity are vital for equipping the younger generation to navigate globalization while maintaining their local identity. Modernization, he argued, should not lead to the abandonment of local heritage but rather inspire its integration into contemporary life.