The Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) of Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) conducted an international community service program titled “Local and Global Aesthetics: Integrating Traditional Japanese and Javanese Dance Elements” at the Komaki International Association (KIA), Japan, on Saturday (28 June 2025).
The program was led by Usrek Tani Utina, lecturer of the Dance Education Study Program, alongside a team comprising Heni Hernawati, Setyani Wardhaningtyas, and Dwi Puji Asrini (Japanese Language Education), as well as Siti Aesijah (Music Education). The team represented FBS UNNES under an official assignment from the Dean, as part of an effort to strengthen cross-cultural collaboration through arts and cultural training.
This initiative was undertaken in response to the challenges of globalization, which necessitate the preservation of local values amid global cultural currents. Through a training session on Javanese dance in the Surakarta style, the FBS UNNES team introduced the philosophy and aesthetic principles of traditional Indonesian dance, rich in spiritual meaning and character education.
The workshop received an enthusiastic response from participants of various backgrounds. They were introduced to a range of basic Javanese dance movements along with their accompanying philosophical values. A highlight of the event was the performance of Golek Mugirahayu, a classical Javanese dance presented to reinforce participants’ understanding of posture and expression in Javanese dance.
Participants observed similarities between Javanese dance and Japan’s Kabuki art, particularly in the symbolic nature of movements, emotional depth, and rigorous training discipline. In a focused and deeply engaged atmosphere, they attentively practiced each movement.
The event was officially opened and closed by Tomiko Terakawa, a KIA member and Kabuki dancer. In her remarks, she noted that the program made a significant contribution to enriching intercultural perspectives through artistic approaches. She also highlighted three key values from the training:
- Harmony and Balance (aesthetic of feeling) – Dance movements that teach balance among body, rhythm, and emotion, serving as a medium for developing mindfulness.
- Symbolism and Philosophical Meaning – Movements imbued with spiritual and ethical values, functioning as a cultural bridge.
- Discipline and Perseverance (training ethos) – Structured training methods that serve as a foundation for character education, aligning with Kabuki principles.
This activity also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
An interactive discussion at the end of the session further deepened participants’ understanding of Javanese and broader Indonesian culture. Many shared that the experience sparked a deeper interest in learning more about traditional Indonesian arts.
Given the participants’ enthusiasm, FBS UNNES hopes to sustain this initiative through ongoing collaborations, not only in the arts but also in other areas of education and cultural exchange.
Contributors: Usrek Tani Utina and the Independent International Community Service Team, FBS UNNES
