February had been………….

From video projects to WORDS performances to games in the garden, February was full of activities.

On February 3, ETA Alexandra Gwynn facilitated a community screening of two video projects created by Kopi Hitam, a burgeoning Tengger production group, and select students at SMKN 9 Malang. The videos focused on Tengger culture in relation to the land and traditions such as Unan-unan. Audience members including Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang Professor Achmad Habib and PhD student Dewi Nurwantari offered feedback to help improve student skills.

On the weekend of February 8, ETA Alexandra helped Ibu Itha and Kopi Hitam begin their next film focused on plant medicine. The crew hiked the mountains of Ranu Pani applying newly learned camera techniques and testing new equipment. They camped overnight at a peak overlooking the valley. Heat lightning and fireside stories brought life and light to the dark, chilly evening.

Select students performed their “Future of Indonesia” stories to peers at the WORDS competition on February 15. Students spoke about land conservation, robotics, gadgets, social change, and the recreation of Indonesian folklore. The winner of the 2019 WORDS competition at SMKN 9 Malang was— drum roll— Denik Agustiningrum! Denik captivated the audience and judges alike with her portrayal of a female teen navigating the pros and cons of gadgets in an agrarian society.

Throughout February, ETA Alexandra engaged students in personal letter writing and procedural texts during class. During student breaks in the garden, ETA Alexandra showed students how to stack up and find balance with their first game of Jenga.

Alexandra Gwynn is currently teaching at SMKN 9 Malang, East Java