Komaki, Nagoya, June 28, 2025 — The Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), in collaboration with the Komaki International Association (KIA), Japan, organized a cultural exchange event titled “Culture Exchange” as part of an effort to foster mutual understanding among nations and build the foundations of inclusive global peace.
Held at Lapio Hall, a cultural activity center managed by KIA in Komaki City, the event featured various cultural performances from Indonesia and Japan, cross-cultural discussions, and presentations highlighting social life and human values from both countries.
This event was the result of a collaboration between KIA and FBS UNNES, which sent a delegation led by Heni Hernawati (Coordinator), along with Usrek Tani Utina, Dwi Puji Asrini, Siti Aesijah, and Setyani Wardhaningtyas. The program not only showcased artistic elements such as dance and music but also explored topics related to life philosophies, religion, social ethics, and daily habits — including waste management, culinary culture, and work ethic.
According to the organizing committee, the event drew great enthusiasm from artists, cultural practitioners, students, and the general public. The atmosphere was marked by openness and curiosity. The cross-cultural dialogue served as a space for deepening mutual understanding — viewing differences not as barriers, but as bridges toward harmony. This initiative aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Kimura Eiko, KIA’s International Relations Coordinator, remarked in her speech,
“Culture exchange is a bridge that transcends differences. Through this program, we are learning not only to understand each other but also to create a peaceful and sustainable future.”
One of the highlights of the event was the mutual presentation of cultural performances by the Indonesian and Japanese delegations. The Indonesian team showcased Javanese dance in the Surakarta style and traditional music, while the Japanese participants introduced Kabuki arts and shared insights into daily cultural practices in Japan.
The friendly discussions emphasized the importance of universal values such as simplicity, harmony, discipline, and environmental sustainability. Participants agreed that international cultural exchange is more than just a performance display — it is an opportunity to internalize shared human values that can serve as common ground for building a peaceful and civilized global future.
This program is expected to serve as a stepping stone for broader cooperation between UNNES and various international institutions in Japan, particularly in the fields of education, arts, and culture.
