In the heart of East Kalimantan, where lush landscapes meet indigenous communities, Sekolah Adat Arus Kualan stands as a bastion of hope. Here, nature is a revered teacher, and education intertwines with the preservation of Dayak culture.

Amidst the challenges of disappearing forests, Arus Kualan emerges as a force empowering children like Selsi and Elis to become stewards of their heritage. Selsi, at 12, teaches traditional Dayak music, art, and games, while Elis, 14, is passionate about preserving traditional healing and bridging cultures through her mastery of English.

Arus Kualan, founded in 2014, spreads across East Kalimantan, nurturing a diverse community of learners dedicated to safeguarding Dayak heritage. Rooted in the belief that local wisdom is essential for cultural preservation, the school imparts dance, music, and traditional crafts, embracing the philosophy that "nature is the school and everyone is the teacher."

The loss of Kalimantan's forests threatens traditional knowledge and indigenous ways of life. Arus Kualan integrates conservation teachings into its curriculum, fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Selsi and Elis understand the importance of forest preservation for traditional healing and community well-being. Arus Kualan empowers them to preserve cultural heritage and the environment for a sustainable future.

Literacy plays a pivotal role in Arus Kualan's transformative education. The school offers literacy classes, foreign languages, and computer skills, empowering students to become confident communicators and critical thinkers.

Arus Kualan hopes to serve as a model for indigenous communities, especially in Southeast Asia, where modernization threatens native cultures. Founder Plorentina Dessy envisions broader adoption of their program and governmental support to protect and promote indigenous heritage.

Sekolah Adat Arus Kualan, established in 2014, imparts traditional knowledge and values to the younger generation in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Its unique approach integrates outdoor activities, literacy, traditional arts, and crafts, bridging the past and present while fostering cultural appreciation among youth.

Over the past decade, Arus Kualan has seen growing interest, with approximately 168 students currently participating in the transformative program. The school empowers students to preserve their cultural identity and heritage while nurturing qualities of intelligence, discipline, dignity, and creativity.

In the face of modernization, Sekolah Adat Arus Kualan stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring the preservation of cultural heritage and empowerment of indigenous communities. As Selsi and Elis demonstrate, Arus Kualan's journey exemplifies the transformative power of education in sustaining cultural legacy.