Meutia launches pictorial book on national diversity

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

An emulation of foreign cultures is not necessary for Indonesia to promote tourism to the archipelago, said Women's Empowerment Minister Meutia Farida Hatta Swasono while discussing her new book which promotes the richness of Indonesian cultures.

"We have the living matrilineal culture of Minangkabau in West Sumatra, we have some living megalithic cultures in Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, and the funeral traditions of Toraja in South Sulawesi. These are assets that we need to respect and watch over," Meutia said Saturday.

"I want to convey a message through this book that the young generation should love our motherland, which is very rich with good values such as a sense of togetherness, time valuation, respect for elders and a work ethic. However, these values rarely prevail now."

Meutia was speaking at the launch of her book, titled: Jejak Langkah di Negeriku, Perjalananku dan Mereka Yang Cemerlang Selama Enam Dasawarsa (Footsteps in My Motherland, My Journey and Those Who Shine in Six Decade).

She said Indonesia's cultural, religious and ecological richness should become a central feature of the country's nationalism, which she said was integral in the midst of rapid development.

"The most important thing is to make sure our generation maintains a territorial awareness."

Meutia's book addresses a variety of topics, such as her experiences visiting various parts of the country when her father Muhammad Hatta was the first Indonesian vice president, and her experience as an anthropologist and researcher.

Saturated with numerous photographs taken by Meutia during these visits, the book was written in the popular language so as to reach as many readers as possible.

Meutia said the book centered on her life experiences with her family and relatives and her experiences during her work.

"Some people might say my book is like candy because it is full of pictures and colors, but it is the portrait of our nation and culture, so diversified and rich," she said.

"Every ethnicity and culture has its own color preference and this is unique, because it tells so many things."

Meutia was born in Yogyakarta on March 21, 1947, and was the first daughter of Hatta, the co-proclamator of the Republic of Indonesia. She earned her undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees in anthropology at the University of Indonesia in 1974, 1983 and 1991 respectively.

She is married to Sri Edi Swasono and has two children, the late Sri Juwita Hanum and Tan Sri Zulfikar Swasono.

Her book launching was attended by several public figures, including Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubowono X and artists Titiek Puspa and Deddy Mizwar.