The Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has once again brought home a proud achievement at the national level. Yehezkiel Tangguh Seno Saputro, a student of the Fine Arts Education Study Program, class of 2024, won the Third Honorable Mention (Juara Harapan 3) in the Painting Branch of PEKSIMINAS XVIII 2026 held at Universitas Jember. Competing as a representative of the Central Java Contingent, Yehezkiel demonstrated his finest artistic skills before the judges and participants from across Indonesia.
Dr. Eko Raharjo, M.Hum., Vice Dean for Student Affairs at FBS UNNES, expressed deep pride and appreciation for the student’s accomplishment. He noted that this achievement is the fruit of Yehezkiel’s hard work, discipline, and dedication throughout a lengthy coaching process. “We greatly appreciate Yehezkiel’s struggle. This is not merely a personal victory but a victory for FBS and UNNES. It proves that our students are capable of competing at the national level, even in a prestigious event like PEKSIMINAS. We hope this achievement sparks enthusiasm among other students to continue creating and excelling,” said Dr. Eko Raharjo.
Arif Fiyanto, M.Sn., one of the supervising lecturers, revealed that the preparation for PEKSIMINAS XVIII 2026 was carried out intensively, from deepening concepts and exploring techniques to strengthening the visual character of the artwork. He considered Yehezkiel to possess high aesthetic sensitivity and fighting spirit during the mentoring process. “Yehezkiel is a diligent student with the courage to explore ideas. We guided him from the initial selection stage through to his successful representation of Central Java. This result is tangible proof of his hard work and consistency in practice,” he stated. Similarly, Prof. Dr. Syakir, M.Sn., the other supervising lecturer, added that this achievement reflects the quality of arts coaching at FBS UNNES, which continues to be maintained and developed. “This achievement is the fruit of our collective effort. We hope Yehezkiel continues to hone his skills and never stops creating, because art is a long journey that demands perseverance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ratih Ayu Pratiwinindya, S.Pd., M.Pd., Head of the Fine Arts Education Study Program at FBS UNNES, stated that this accomplishment is evidence that the program is capable of producing students who excel not only academically but are also competitive in national arts competitions. “We continue to encourage students to engage in various competitions, both regional and national. Yehezkiel’s success motivates us to further strengthen the creative ecosystem within the study program, from curriculum and coaching to supporting facilities,” she explained. She also hopes this achievement inspires other students to dare to perform and sharpen their abilities on a broader stage.
Gratitude is also extended to the leadership of UNNES, the leadership of FBS, and BPSMI Central Java for their full support in the preparation and participation of the student in PEKSIMINAS XVIII 2026. This cross-institutional support has been a crucial factor in ensuring the student could perform optimally in the national competition.
This achievement aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education, which promotes the optimal development of students’ potential, and Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, which emphasizes the importance of nurturing a creative and innovative generation. Yehezkiel’s success is concrete evidence that arts education at UNNES is capable of producing competent and competitive graduates at the national level. Furthermore, the collaboration among students, supervising lecturers, university leadership, and BPSMI Central Java reflects the spirit of SDGs Goal 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
FBS UNNES hopes this achievement becomes a valuable experience and motivation for Yehezkiel to continue creating, as well as an inspiration for other students to achieve similar feats in the future. May more accomplishments be attained to bring honor to UNNES at both national and international levels.
