By: Adnan Saifannur *)
Preparations for the inauguration of the AMANAH Building are getting closer to becoming a historic moment for the people of Aceh. This building is expected to become a center for activities that support the development of talent and creativity for Aceh’s young people, as well as improving the economy through various specially designed empowerment programs. One of the preparations that is in the spotlight is the audition of hundreds of young Acehnese dancers held by the Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul Besar (AMANAH) program. This audition is the first step in preparing for a spectacular appearance at the inauguration of the AMANAH Building which will be attended by President Joko Widodo on September 8 2024 in the Aceh Industrial Area, Ladong, Aceh Besar Regency.
One of the audition participants, Safna Khairati, proudly performed the traditional Ranup Lampuan dance with her team from Sanggar Ceudah Rupa. This dance, which depicts the tradition of welcoming guests with betel, is expected to make a deep impression on the guests present. This audition involved experienced judges such as Denny Malik, Mira Natalia, and Melissa Franklien Regina, who selected the best dancers to appear at the inauguration event. The combination of traditional Acehnese elements with a modern touch will create a colossal show that reflects the richness of Acehnese culture amidst a spirit of innovation.
Apart from dancing, the inauguration of the AMANAH Building will also be enlivened by a fashion show created by AMANAH’s designers. This fashion will be demonstrated by models graduating from AMANAH Youth Top Models 2024, which further emphasizes this program’s commitment to empowering the young generation in various fields of arts and culture. The AMANAH program, designed by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), aims to develop talent, increase capacity, and encourage innovation of Acehnese youth, so that they are able to contribute positively to society and compete on the national and international stage.
As the inauguration approaches, intensive preparations continue to be carried out, including auditions and training involving various elements of society. This moment is not just the inauguration of a building, but also a symbol of the revival of Acehnese arts and culture amidst the challenges of the times. The AMANAH building will become a center for creative activities that not only supports the economy, but also maintains and develops Aceh’s cultural heritage.
Denny Malik, as one of the audition judges, explained that the dance that would be presented was a combination of traditional Acehnese elements with a modern touch. This audition was held to select around 500 dancers, male and female, with ages ranging from 16 to 30 years.
Denny said that even though there are modern elements in the dance, Acehnese traditions remain the main foundation. It is also hoped that this dance can become a forum for Aceh’s young generation to express themselves, develop their creativity and display their potential on stage. Through this audition, AMANAH aims to provide space for Acehnese youth to hone their artistic skills, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural values in every innovation they make.
With the inauguration of the AMANAH Building only a few days away, the enthusiasm of the people of Aceh is increasingly felt at various levels. Many see preparations for this inauguration as an important moment for the development of Aceh, especially in providing space and facilities for the younger generation to grow and develop. The audition participants, such as Safna, also had great hopes, who hoped that President Jokowi would continue to support arts activities in Aceh. The potential of Aceh’s young people who are rich in creativity and the spirit of innovation needs to continue to be encouraged, so that Acehnese youth are able to become an independent and highly competitive generation.
It is also hoped that the AMANAH building will be able to become a bridge for Aceh’s young generation to connect local cultural heritage with global trends. With the arts, culture, entrepreneurship and technology training programs initiated at AMANAH, the community hopes that Aceh’s traditional values will be maintained, while opening up space for modern innovation and development.
Apart from that, the existence of the AMANAH Building is expected to encourage local economic growth through activities involving many parties, such as art exhibitions, cultural performances and entrepreneurship training. It is hoped that this positive economic impact can be felt directly by the surrounding community, both in terms of increasing employment opportunities and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth.
Not only from a creative and economic perspective, the AMANAH Building is also seen as a symbol of unity and solidarity of the Acehnese people. Through the various activities that will be held there, hope arises that AMANAH can become a place where differences in backgrounds and views can be united in a spirit of collaboration and innovation. This also reflects the values of mutual cooperation and togetherness that have long been part of Acehnese culture.
With all these hopes, the people of Aceh can’t wait to welcome the inauguration of the AMANAH Building. Moreover, it is President Jokowi who will be inaugurating it directly, so it is not an exaggeration if the public hopes that the inauguration of the AMANAH Building will be the beginning of major changes in empowering Aceh’s young generation. With the spirit of mutual cooperation, support from all parties, and collaboration between traditional art and modern innovation, the AMANAH Building is ready to become a symbol of Aceh’s revival towards a brighter future.
*) Acehnese Youth / Startup Entrepreneurs