Students of the Diploma Program in Visual Communication Design, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Semarang State University (UNNES), are once again holding the 5th Semarang International Illustration Festival (SIIF). This biennial event takes place from September 8–13, 2025, showcasing 208 illustrations from Indonesia, Singapore, Iran, Palestine, Egypt, and various other countries.
Carrying the theme Being Human: The Presence of Imperfection, SIIF #5 seeks to voice the essence of human life through art. The illustrators present their perspectives on what it means to be human, complete with imperfections that, in turn, bring forth beauty.
In addition to the artwork exhibition, this year’s SIIF program also features art performances, murals, talk shows, and drawing competitions. A number of renowned speakers are also invited to enrich the visitors’ experience.
One of the visitors, Suciati and Ahmad Najah, students of the Faculty of Economics and Business at UNNES, expressed their admiration for the works on display. They were intrigued and curious about the creations of both local and international artists. “Besides being unique, the artworks carry their own meanings that refresh the mind, it can even be a place for healing,” said Ahmad.
SIIF is not only a space for art appreciation but also an opportunity for students to learn about entrepreneurship. They sell illustration-themed merchandise at affordable prices for visitors.
The Chair of the Committee, Khaliza Khuraira Kamila, stated that SIIF #5 succeeded in gaining broader support compared to previous years. “More countries participated by submitting their works. One of the mottos of SIIF #5 is that human imperfection is precisely what makes us perfect as human beings,” she said.
Beyond serving as a platform for art appreciation, SIIF #5 also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through this festival, students not only learn to appreciate works of art but also develop entrepreneurial skills, event management, and build international networks that strengthen cross-cultural collaboration.
With its diverse series of programs and the involvement of international artists, SIIF #5 is not only a space for appreciating illustration works but also a cultural dialogue platform that brings together human perspectives from various countries. The festival affirms UNNES’s position, particularly the Visual Communication Design Program, as a driving force of creativity and the internationalization of art on a global stage. (Ika Rizki Refima Putri/Student Staff Humas FBS UNNES)
Translated by Dafele Arozal/Student Staff Humas FBS UNNES
