Empowering Communities Through Conservation and Cultural Heritage

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The existence of Batin in the traditional communal structure of the Riau Islands in particular and the Malay (Indonesian) archipelago in general, has been deeply rooted and revered. The system was prevalent throughout the country as a grass root representative institution and should be preserved, developed and adjusted in accordance to changing times.

The first record of Batin's existence in the Riau Islands as the people's representative to the Sultan's court was in 1064 AD. This system continued to survive from generation to generation according to the customary at that time until the end of the Dutch colonial period.

Batin's status during the Riau-Lingga kingdom period as the people's envoy or guardian of the community's dignity had a major influence on the democratic structure of the society that is based on local wisdom and broad communal participation in governing each respective territorial autonomy. The people of that era conveyed their aspirations through Batin. Together with the Penghulu, who is the royal government agent in carrying out administering the smallest autonomous cluster of regional government, Batin strive for the people's aspirations and expectations to be considered and realized by the royal government.

The Japanese occupational government implemented the RT/RW system during its short colonialization of Indonesia. After the independence, the structure is continued by the state, whereas the existence of Batin was no longer used.

Lencana Bentara Kesultanan Riau - Lingga

Lencana Bentara Kesultanan Riau - Lingga

Ki-ka: Raja Khalid Hitam, Raja Ali Kelana, Sultan Abdul Rahman Muazzamsyah, Raja Ali Sandam , Raja Ali Sambang, Said Alwi Al-Qudsi

A Dutch map of Residentie Riouw en Onderhoorigheden (Residence of Riau and Dependencies) in 1860.

OBJECTIVE

Batin Kepri endeavors by implementing its predecessor principles, adjusted to the demands of changing times, in striving for the local communities to be in the vanguard of the Riau Islands provincial progress and advancement, likewise, for Indonesia national development by striking a sustainable balance in fostering improvements and growth in maritime-based socio-economic welfare of the people in accordance with the geographic location of the province, conserving nature and protecting the environment. Batin Kepri strives for a pluralistic communities that is inclusive, tolerant and harmonious in an effort to create just and prosperous society based on democracy and anchored on local wisdom which is manifested in the preservation and reverence for the people's cultural heritage in particular and to the customs and societal norms of eastern society in general, which shape character and support, in its entirety, a noble and virtuous unique identity of Indonesian people in accordance with the mandate of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

OVERVIEW

The Association of Batin Kepri, aka Batin Kepri is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)/Non Government Organization (NGO) which focuses on the empowerment and advancement of coastal communities in the province Riau Islands through grass root maritime-based economic initiatives, nature conservation, environmental protection, and preservation of local cultural heritage. In every launch and implementation of its initiatives and work programs, Batin Kepri collaborates with the local government and authorities, higher educational institutions, other local NGOs, global non-profit agencies and of course, the local communities. Batin Kepri members consist of professionals who are part-time volunteers and full-time volunteers. Batin Kepri's membership profile is a reflection of the national motto of the Republic of Indonesia, Bhineka Tunggal Ika, "Unity in Diversity".

Batin Kepri members comes from assorted ethnic background.

UNDERLYING TENET

Batin Kepri emulates Batin of old mandate during the Sultanate era by adapting initiatives and work programs according to progress and demands of the times. It assists in realizing the aspirations and expectation of the local community through four (4) main drive, i.e.,

1. Grass root economic empowerment

2. Nature Conservation

3. Environmental Protection

4. Preservation of Cultural Heritage

These four aspects refer to the 2 main tenets of Batin Kepri's initiative and work program focus, namely Community & Nature where the people dwell. It emphasizes on achieving a sustainable balance between these two features. The traditional and coastal communities of the Riau Islands are under pressure to meet the demands of modern life which has numerous severely negative impacts on nature, the environment and society cultural identity, pulling the people away from the societal norms of Indonesian culture and abandoning local wisdom that has been a source of strength to the people from generation to generation.

TENTANG KAMI

OFFICE ADDRESS

Our organization is based in a community-focused environment, dedicated to empowering local communities and promoting conservation, protection and preservation of nature, environment and cultural heritage,.

Taman Pantai Road, Kampong Baru, RT 02/RW 05, Penyengat, Tanjung Pinang, Kepri 29114

Hours

Location

9 AM - 5 PM