A total of 56 students from the Dance Education Study Program, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), took part in a Wedding Makeup Examination held on June 17-18, 2026, at the B6 Building Terrace, UNNES Sekaran Campus. The event served as a learning evaluation platform while also demonstrating cultural preservation through traditional bridal makeup and attire skills.
Adopting the theme of Javanese traditional bridal makeup, the students presented four distinct bridal styles: Solo Putri, Solo Basahan, Jogja Putri, and Jogja Paes Ageng. These four styles were selected for their distinctive characteristics, aesthetic values, and rich philosophical meanings, making them an essential part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
The examination, supervised by lecturers Dr. Eny Kusumastuti, M.Pd., and Dr. Galuh Fatma Hedianti, M.Pd., featured 28 bridal pairs with the following breakdown: 10 pairs in the Jogja Putri style, 4 pairs in Jogja Paes Ageng, 4 pairs in Solo Basahan, and 10 pairs in the Solo Putri style.
A Comprehensive Process and Assessment
During the examination, students were assessed not only on the final makeup results but also on the entire preparation process, including concept planning, model selection, facial makeup, hairstyling, accessory placement, and the appropriateness of attire according to traditional customs. Each participant was required to apply their skills with precision and attention to detail to produce a beautiful, harmonious bridal appearance that reflected the character of each respective tradition.
“This examination is not merely about assessing technical makeup skills, but also about students’ understanding of the philosophy and cultural values embedded in each Javanese bridal makeup style. They must be able to present beauty while preserving the authenticity of traditional customs,” said Dr. Eny Kusumastuti, M.Pd., during a break in the examination on Thursday (18/6/2026).
The Elegance of Four Javanese Bridal Styles
The Solo Putri bridal style was presented with a graceful and elegant nuance, reflecting the gentleness of Javanese women. Meanwhile, Solo Basahan showcased a majestic impression through the use of dodot (traditional Javanese fabric) and various distinctive accessories from the Surakarta Palace.
In the Jogja Putri concept, students highlighted the beauty of the black paes (traditional forehead ornament), which holds deep philosophical meaning about the human journey through life. The Jogja Paes Ageng displayed grandeur and authority through the combination of makeup, paes, and attire rich in cultural values.
The examination atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and spirit. Students demonstrated their creativity and ability to process elements of visual arts, makeup, and cultural aesthetics into works of high artistic value. The various works presented reflected the students’ dedication in learning and developing the skills acquired throughout their coursework.
A Supporting Competency for Dance Education Students
As part of the Dance Education Study Program, wedding makeup skills serve as an important supporting competency for students to master. Mastery of this field not only broadens their understanding of arts and culture but also opens opportunities for students to work in various creative fields, such as performance makeup, wedding makeup artistry, and the cultural and creative industries.
Dr. Galuh Fatma Hedianti, M.Pd., added that wedding makeup skills provide valuable preparation for Dance Education graduates. “We want our students to not only excel in dance but also possess supporting competencies that can serve as added value in the workforce. Wedding makeup is a highly applicable skill that is in great demand by the community,” she explained.
Preserving Cultural Heritage in the Midst of Modernization
Through this Wedding Makeup Examination, students of the Dance Education Study Program at FBS UNNES are expected to become a creative, professional generation with a strong commitment to preserving the nation’s culture. This event also demonstrates that art is not only studied theoretically but also realized in tangible practice that presents beauty while safeguarding the continuity of Indonesian traditions amid changing times.
“We hope that students will not only become skilled makeup artists but also serve as cultural ambassadors capable of introducing and preserving the richness of Nusantara customs, particularly Javanese bridal makeup, to the younger generation and the wider community,” Dr. Eny concluded.
The Wedding Makeup Examination aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the strengthening of vocational education and culturally based practical skills. In addition, the event supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by preserving local cultural heritage as part of the nation’s identity, as well as SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through the development of competencies that open employment opportunities in the creative and cultural industries.
