In 2019, Yayasan Pendidikan Budaya Mentawai (YPBM) embarked on a very meaningful project to preserve local cultural heritage through in-depth research of Mentawai’s cultural mythology – an endeavor proudly supported by our long-term partner, the Indigenous Education Foundation. The goal

Suku Mentawai Foundation/YPBM is proud to announce that our film “Mentawai Souls of the Forest”, Directed by Joo Peter, has won the Mt. Everest Award for Best International Documentary at the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) – held in Kathmandu,

Mentawai Cultural Education Foundation – YPBM will continue to be committed to working to develop the Mentawai Cultural and Ecological Education Program (CEEP) for the young Mentawai generation. We will continue to improve the quality of learning in accordance with

DENPASAR – BALI (Suku Mentawai) – Yayasan Pendidikan Budaya Mentawai (YPBM) is proud to announce that the film “Mentawai Souls of the Forest” by Joo Peter, in collaboration with the Yayasan Pendidikan Budaya Mentawai (YPBM), won the Special Jury Prize at

Our world is changing dramatically. Increased drought, fire, pollution, and natural disasters across the globe. This is climate change and our mismanagement of our surroundings is causing it. We must all be aware of our actions and responsibilities in preventing

Documenting the oral traditions of Mentawai people from the Sarereiket and Sabirut regions of Siberut. Indigenous people’s storytelling systems and traditions are disappearing, but to sustain our collective future we must heed their wisdom. Sarereiket region, Siberut, Mentawai – It

After receiving invitation to attend and participate in the International Indigenous Film Festival in Bali, the Yayasan Pendidikan Budaya Mentawai (YPBM) foundation delegated this opportunity to one representative, Martison Siritoitet. Martison is a Mentawai youth working for YPBM in the

MENTAWAI LANGUAGE LEARNING BOOK Over the past few decades, the Mentawai have seen dramatic change throughout their archipelago. There has been an enormous surge in development, tourism, and immigration – bringing with it powerful foreign influence. August Tonggiat, founder of

REVIVING THE LOCAL WISDOM OF MENTAWAI CULTURE Last week we sat down with Fransiskus Yan, the Head of Mentawai’s cultural education foundation, Yayasan Pendidikan Budaya Mentawai (YPBM), to discuss their self-managed education program and how they perceive the relationship and involvement