
Bridging Philosophy and Practice in Sundanese Culture
Temmy Widyastuti, M.Pd., a lecturer in Sundanese Language Education at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), brought a profound philosophical perspective to the International Mother Language Day Festival 2024. As a West Java Language Ambassador (2011) and a dedicated Sundanese language activist, Temmy’s passion for cultural preservation was palpable.
In her presentation at BINUS Bandung, Temmy explored the concept of “Jelema Masagi,” which refers to individuals shaped by Sundanese culture who embody its values and norms. She delved into the philosophical underpinnings of Sundanese behavior and language, linking these traditions to contemporary challenges faced by regional cultures.
Temmy’s advocacy for integrating Sundanese language and culture into education systems inspired the audience to think critically about their roles in sustaining linguistic heritage. She encouraged students to not only learn their mother language but to actively promote it as a living, evolving entity in the modern world.
Her speech at BINUS Bandung underscored the importance of understanding one’s cultural philosophy as a foundation for contributing to a diverse and inclusive global community.