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| University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Doctoral Examination Procession (Photo: Haqi Public Relations) |
President Director of Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Dr. I. Hendrasmo, MA. and the leadership of RRI were present at one of the processions for the doctoral examination of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). They came and listened to the doctoral exam of the Head of RRI Makassar, Ferdy Kusno, last Wednesday (15/6). In his examination, Ferdy, his nickname, conveyed the social meaning of striped buffalo (tedong bonga) in the ritual of death of the Tana Toraja people.
In his dissertation, Ferdy questioned two main things. The first is related to the meaning of tedong bonga. Then the second concerns the shift in the management of death rituals in the Tana Toraja community. In his presentation, he concluded that tedong bonga is a traditional sacred symbol and is formed based on symbolic meaning. In addition, it is also influenced by traditional, religious, prestige, and economic values.
Furthermore, Ferdy said that the meaningful meaning of death makes humans compete to do it to the fullest. The symbols are sacred and applied according to mutual agreement. In addition, the characters used in death rituals do not break the traditional order. "The number of striped buffalo sacrificed reflects a person's social status," added the Head of RRI Makassar.
Ferdy also revealed that according to residents in Tana Toraja, striped buffalo is a vehicle to nirvana to start a new life with the spirits of the ancestors. Tedong bonga is also considered the highest symbol in death rituals that are offered as a form of affection for the parents or family who died.
Interestingly, Ferdy's dissertation has been published in several works. One of them is through a book published by the publisher Bildung. In addition, what is discussed in the dissertation has also been published in international journals.
Meanwhile, Hendrasmo also appreciated Ferdy's achievement in obtaining a doctorate. According to him, this can improve RRI's image because it is always filled with highly educated people. He also hopes other staff will follow in Ferdy's footsteps to improve education. That way, one of the impacts that can be felt is the better quality of content provided by RRI.
"Of course, Pak Ferdy's doctoral promotion can be a source of encouragement for other staff to continue their education. Our content will also increase so that it can provide useful and quality things," concluded Hendrasmo. (apg/wil)
