SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Indonesian Epigraphy Experts Association (PAEI) has proposed that ancient scripts be introduced as an extracurricular activity in schools. The aim is to enable students to understand the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

“By recognizing the letters, there are traditions, moral messages, and so on. Both the general public and children are happy to be taught ancient letters, so I think this should be included in an extracurricular or additional lesson that teaches their regional characters,” said PAEI Chairperson Ninie Susanti in her speech at the Gata Script Literacy Exhibition on Monday (9/16).

"So, it's not just foreign scripts that they learn in school, but also their local scripts. Because if we look at it, the relics of the past are rich in customs, moral messages, and so on," she added.

Echoing this sentiment, the Director of Cultural Protection at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Judi Wahjudin, stated that although epigraphy is not yet a mandatory part of the curriculum, socialization and dissemination of knowledge about ancient scripts can be carried out through related programs, such as the "artists in schools" initiative.

"It's also necessary to empower local art masters to introduce ancient writing to the community," added Judi.