Every October 17, Indonesia celebrates National Culture Day. This commemoration reminds us that culture is the root of national identity and a source of values that shape the way we think, behave, and interact. Culture itself appears in many forms, such as traditional houses, traditional clothing, musical instruments, and much more. Beyond its physical form, culture is also reflected in how people communicate. In the study of Communication Science, culture and communication are closely connected. Humans use communication to spread and preserve their cultural heritage.
One form of communication as culture that remains well-known today can be found in folktales. Stories such as Malin Kundang, Timun Mas, and Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih convey moral messages in simple and easily understood ways. In general, folktales serve as parables used to instill moral teachings in children.
Moreover, folktales also function as a form of social communication that shapes shared identity. The characters, plots, and values within them teach lessons about kindness, honesty, hard work, and the relationship between humans and nature. Across many regions of Indonesia, folktales are passed down from generation to generation, building a bridge of communication between the elders and the younger generation.
However, along with technological development, the forms of cultural communication have also evolved. The values and messages once conveyed through folktales now appear in various digital content. People express culture through social media, short videos, and visual works. Although the forms have changed, the purpose of cultural communication remains the same, to keep values and identity alive amid changing times.
Efforts to preserve cultural communication align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education and Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. Communication that values culture helps people strengthen their sense of belonging, maintain diversity, and preserve social heritage amid modernization. Let us continue to communicate with cultural awareness as a form of love and responsibility for Indonesia’s heritage.