The Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) enlivened the university’s 61st Anniversary celebration on February 12, 2026, by presenting a dance defile inspired by the traditional Pacu Jalur culture of Riau. The participation formed part of FBS’s contribution to reinforcing the anniversary theme, “UNNES Berdampak” (UNNES Makes an Impact).
The defile offered an artistic interpretation of Pacu Jalur, a traditional longboat race from Kuantan Singingi, Riau, known for its strong values of solidarity and communal cooperation. Performed by FBS lecturers and administrative staff, the presentation featured dynamic, symbolic movements that represented the collective spirit and the harmonious relationship between humans and water, a vital source of life.
Through this concept, FBS conveyed a message on the preservation of water-based cultural heritage while aligning it with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The Pacu Jalur tradition was reinterpreted as a symbol of the ecological relationship between communities and river ecosystems that must be sustained.
Acting Dean of FBS UNNES, Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, M.T., IPM, stated that the inspiration drawn from Pacu Jalur reflects the faculty’s effort to present impactful art.
“We interpret the theme ‘UNNES Berdampak’ through artistic expression that carries a conservation message. This defile, inspired by Pacu Jalur, is not merely a cultural symbol but also a call to safeguard water resources as a shared responsibility,” he said.
According to him, performing arts hold the power to cultivate collective awareness, particularly in connecting cultural heritage with environmental sustainability issues.
Meanwhile, Vice Dean II for General Affairs and Finance, Dr. Muhamad Burhanudin, S.S., M.A., emphasized that the participation of academic staff in the defile demonstrated institutional solidarity in celebrating the university’s milestone.
“This performance reflects the unity of FBS lecturers and administrative staff. By drawing inspiration from Pacu Jalur, we aim to underscore that culture and the environment are inseparable. This is the kind of impact we seek to embody during the anniversary celebration,” he remarked.
He added that FBS’s involvement in the 61st Anniversary celebration also strengthens UNNES’s image as a conservation-oriented university actively supporting sustainable development initiatives.
Furthermore, the active participation of the academic community aligns with the university’s efforts to achieve the Key Performance Indicators (IKU) for Higher Education, particularly in enhancing institutional reputation, collaboration, and socio-cultural contributions. Through artistic expression rooted in local wisdom and sustainability values, FBS demonstrated that the university’s tridharma—education, research, and community engagement—extends beyond classrooms and laboratories to meaningful participation in nation-building.
The defile inspired by the Pacu Jalur tradition ultimately reaffirmed UNNES’s position as a university that not only excels academically but also delivers tangible impact to society.
