The success of the AMANAH program raises local identity and culture
By Cut Naila Febriana )*
The Aneuk Muda Aceh Excellent and Great (AMANAH) program has become an important initiative that has had a significant positive impact on the development of talent and creativity among young people in Aceh. This program has received direct support from the central government through the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), and has now become not only an opportunity to channel talent, but also a symbol of the awakening potential of Acehnese children in various fields. The AMANAH program has succeeded in creating a platform that not only elevates the creativity of young Acehnese, but also builds a strong sense of pride and identity as Acehnese people.
The AMANAH program is the answer to the urgent need to provide space for young Acehnese to express their talents. In recent years, Aceh has shown significant improvements in various areas, and this program has been one of the main catalysts for this change. For example, recently, a student from Lhokseumawe, Muhammad Hafidz Zikrillah, succeeded in winning the 2024 AMANAH Singing Competition at the Unmuha Auditorium in Banda Aceh, showing that talent in Aceh not only exists, but can also compete at national and even international levels.
Muhammad Hafidz Zikrillah expressed his pride in his achievements this time. This 17 year old young man said he had fought hard to win the 2024 AMANAH Singing Competition and even had to practice diligently and seriously in the midst of his boarding and school activities at MAS Ruhul Islam Anak Bangsa, Aceh Besar Regency.
2024 AMANAH Singing Competition judge, Nazar Apache is also optimistic that Aceh has great potential for all the talents of its young generation. Aceh has great potential with various superior potentials. Many new talents are emerging, and this is a good hope for the development of Aceh’s industry in the future. The competition initiated by AMANAH was very effective in encouraging the creativity of the young generation in Aceh. Apart from receiving trophies, the winners will also be supported to publish their work professionally.
The competition held as a series of AMANAH programs not only functions as a place to showcase talent, but also as a means to build self-confidence and prepare Aceh’s young generation to face global competition. Young Acehnese people involved in this program get the opportunity to learn from experts in their respective fields, which in turn motivates them to continue to develop and not be afraid to dream big.
The AMANAH program also has an important role in promoting Aceh’s local culture and identity. One example is how this program succeeded in introducing Acehnese fashion designs to the national stage, such as at the 2024 Muslim Fashion Fest (Muffest) which was held at Istora Senayan Jakarta on 8-11 August 2024. Acehnese designers involved in this program were able to prove that Acehnese culture has its own charm that can be appreciated by the wider community. This not only strengthens Aceh’s cultural identity in the eyes of the outside world, but also provides inspiration for Aceh’s young generation to continue preserving cultural heritage.
Initiatives like this are very important to maintain the sustainability of Acehnese culture, especially in the midst of increasingly strong modernization. The AMANAH program has shown that with collaboration between government, society and creative industry players, we can create space for young Acehnese to grow and develop without having to lose their identity as Acehnese.
However, although this program has shown encouraging results, there is one aspect that should not be ignored, namely sustainability. The AMANAH program must be a program that continues to be implemented on an ongoing basis, not just a temporary program. It is hoped that this program will continue to be held regularly, with more innovation and diversification of activities that can cover more fields, such as technology, arts and science.
Support from the central government, as seen from President Jokowi’s commitment through the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) in pushing this program, is of course very important. However, the role of the regional government and the people of Aceh itself is no less important. The sustainability of this program will depend greatly on how all parties can work together to maintain enthusiasm and commitment in supporting Acehnese youth.
The AMANAH program is a long-term investment in Aceh’s future. Young people are the greatest asset that every region has, and through this program, Aceh has the opportunity to form a generation that not only excels in skills, but also has pride in identity and culture. []
