Strengthening Javanese Cultural Literacy among Indonesian Non-Formal Education Students in Malaysia through Community-Based Cultural Diplomacy

Abstract

The preservation of Indonesian cultural identity among migrant communities has become increasingly important in the era of globalization. Indonesian students enrolled in non-formal education programs abroad often experience limited access to cultural learning, particularly regional cultural heritage. This community engagement program aimed to strengthen Javanese cultural literacy among Indonesian students in Kuala Lumpur and Johor, Malaysia, through participatory cultural education activities. The program involved students from non-formal educational institutions, Indonesian migrant communities, and cultural organizations in Malaysia. Activities were conducted through lectures, demonstrations, guided practices, cultural performances, and collaborative learning focusing on Javanese language, Javanese script, traditional songs, etiquette (unggah-ungguh basa), and karawitan. Data were collected through participatory observation, documentation, attendance records, and reflective evaluations. The results demonstrated increased participant engagement, improved understanding of Javanese cultural practices, stronger appreciation toward traditional arts, and enhanced awareness of Indonesian cultural identity. Approximately 85% of participants actively engaged in cultural practices, while 78% demonstrated improved understanding of Javanese language etiquette and cultural expressions after the program. The initiative also generated sustainable institutional collaboration between Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesian community organizations, and higher education institutions in Malaysia. The novelty of this program lies in integrating cultural diplomacy, community empowerment, and heritage-based education within Indonesian diaspora communities abroad. The findings indicate that community-based cultural engagement can effectively contribute to cultural preservation, intercultural understanding, and international educational networking.