Samsudin Dongeng Keliling: Inspiring Environmental Awareness Through Fairytales

Samsudin is using the power of story to shed light on threats to the planet, climate emergency and help put a stop to them.
A tragic incident inspired Samsudin Dongeng Keliling in Ujung Kulon, Banten, Java, Indonesia, where a person was accused of committing a crime against nature. ‘Pak Samsudin’, as he’s known was inspired by that incident to get people involved in nature conservation activities in national parks. Using his experience as a teacher, Samsudin talked to the Indonesian Rhinoceros Foundation (Yayasan Badak Indonesia) about organising educational activities for endangered species. Through storytelling, Dongeng Keliling aims to educate children about wildlife preservation and the forest.

RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS 

I thought that if I could become a volunteer to help spread the knowledge about conservation to all Indonesian people, it would be a good thing

The Dongeng Keliling

Dongeng Keliling coordinates its activities with various groups such as NGOs, youth organizations, and the community, as well as building relationships with members of those groups. It usually takes place in schools and the community. Before arranging the activity, Pak Samsudin will do simple online research about the topic he will bring and discuss it with the NGOs. Then, Pak Samsudin will create animal puppets (wayang) using simple tools such as scrap paper, paperboard, and many more. Storytelling is conveyed not only visually but also interactively. This is done to give an impression and be easier for the audience to understand and remember. Also, it helps to measure children’s understanding and invites them to participate in storytelling. The stories Pak Samsudin tells are not only about animals but also about environmental issues in Indonesia. 
 
The Dongeng Keliling has traveled to 14 provinces in Indonesia and collaborated with several NGOs, such as the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (Yayasan Badak Indonesia), World Wildlife Fund Lampung, Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Society in London, several youth organizations, and many more.

Effective Communication

Although Pak Samsudin has worked with various organizations, he still faces challenges, such as creating stories in an easy-to-understand language while following research findings. Mr. Samsudin must therefore measure the audience’s comprehension of his story and presentation. The story is also spiced up with some light jokes by Mr. Samsudin, so it does not appear boring.
image credit : Samsudin Dongeng Keliling
The Dongeng Keliling has traveled to 14 provinces in Indonesia and collaborated with several NGOs, such as the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (Yayasan Badak Indonesia), World Wildlife Fund Lampung, Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Society in London, several youth organizations, and many more.

My purpose is to provide knowledge about the condition of forests and animals in Indonesia, meaning this must be followed and based on scientific principles, not just fictional stories. I convey important points related to the condition of forests and animals in Indonesia with suitable and easy-to-understand language for the audience

image credit : Samsudin Dongeng Keliling
Pak Samsudin wishes to complete the Dongeng Keliling tour in Indonesia and receive global support to continue the activity. He hopes this activity will encourage Indonesian young people to speak up about biodiversity and wildlife conservation issues and encourage the government to adopt policies to protect nature.