Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding and preserving Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage, particularly in the Central Java region. Through research, community service, and interdisciplinary collaboration, UNNES actively documents various aspects of local culture such as folklore, traditions, regional languages, and traditional community knowledge.
This preservation effort aligns with UNNES’s vision as a Conservation-Minded University, which focuses not only on environmental conservation but also on protecting the cultural values that form the nation’s identity.
FBS and FISIP UNNES Document Javanese Traditions and Folklore
Various cultural preservation projects have been carried out through collaboration between the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) and the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP). These activities include documenting Javanese folklore, Nyadran and Barikan traditions, studying regional languages, and mapping local wisdom practices related to environmental preservation and the social life of coastal communities.
Using ethnographic approaches, in-depth interviews, and visual documentation, UNNES lecturers and students strive to archive living traditions so that they can be passed down to future generations. The results of this research are not only published as academic works but also developed into teaching materials, culturally based learning media, and outreach programs for the community.
Local Wisdom as a Source of Education and Social Resilience
One of the main focuses of these activities is to elevate local wisdom values as a source of knowledge and inspiration for character education. For instance, Nyadran and Barikan traditions teach the spirit of togetherness, respect for ancestors, and ecological awareness through environmental cleansing rituals and collective prayers.
According to UNNES researchers, such local wisdom holds significant relevance in addressing modern issues like climate change, food security, and sustainable development.
A Commitment to Sustainable Cultural Conservation
Through these initiatives, UNNES serves not only as an institution of higher education but also as a guardian of the nation’s collective memory. The documentation and preservation of intangible cultural heritage are expected to play an essential role in shaping Indonesian society that is strong in character, inclusive, and rooted in its own cultural identity.
“Cultural preservation is a form of value conservation. We want students and communities not only to recognize but also to revive the noble values embedded in traditions,” said one of the researchers from FBS UNNES.
Through its diverse projects and interdisciplinary collaborations, UNNES reaffirms its role as a center for research and cultural conservation in the archipelago, bridging modern knowledge with local wisdom within the framework of sustainable development.
Breaking Boundaries: UNNES Students Participate in International Module for Global Cultural Exchange
The International Module program, held annually by the Faculty of Sports Science at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), has once again attracted significant attention with participation from five universities representing five different countries. The program is designed to broaden students’ perspectives through a series of structured, educational, and intercultural activities, while strengthening international cooperation in sports and cultural studies. This year’s module provided UNNES students with opportunities to engage directly with peers from various nations in an environment conducive to knowledge exchange and cross-cultural understanding.
During the program, UNNES students participated in multiple activity-based modules encompassing both modern and traditional physical practices, including Walk Rally, Thai Massage, Sepak Takraw, Krabi Krabong, Thai Boxing, Yoga, and Tai Chi. Each activity offered participants practical experience along with exposure to the underlying philosophies and cultural contexts of each sport. This approach enabled students to gain comparative insights into the athletic traditions and pedagogical methods of participating countries.
Beyond physical activities, the program emphasized structured cultural exchange. Participants introduced and demonstrated aspects of their national cultures through presentations of traditional foods, dances, and local customs. This intercultural component fostered mutual understanding and respect among students from diverse backgrounds, while also enhancing participants’ global awareness and communication skills.
The International Module exemplifies the Faculty of Sports Science’s initiative to promote globally oriented education. Through partnerships with foreign universities, UNNES provides its students with international academic exposure and interdisciplinary perspectives on physical education and sports sciences. Participants are also expected to serve as cultural ambassadors, representing Indonesia’s values and traditions in international academic settings.
By organizing this program, UNNES reinforces its institutional commitment to producing graduates with both academic proficiency and intercultural competence. The International Module serves as a strategic platform to prepare students for professional and social engagement in an increasingly interconnected world, emphasizing adaptability, collaboration, and cultural literacy as core competencies.
Five International Students from UNNES Proudly Wear Kebaya at Semarang Old Town Festival
Five international students from Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) took part in the 12th Semarang Old Town Festival 2023 on Sunday (September 17). They not only showcased their pride in Indonesian culture but also expressed admiration for the kebaya, one of the nation’s traditional garments.
The Semarang Old Town Festival is an annual event celebrating the history and cultural richness of Semarang City. It features art performances, handicraft exhibitions, and various cultural activities that blend tradition with modernity.
The UNNES students, hailing from Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, decided to join the event to deepen their understanding of Indonesian culture. The five students were Aziza Niiazova (Master’s in Law), Aisu Zhumalieva (Bachelor’s in Economic Education), Lytvynenko Tetiana (Master’s in Indonesian Language), Periza Abdilova Abdilovna (Bachelor’s in English Education), and Elizaveta Lebedeva (Darmasiswa Non-Degree Program).
During the festival held in the Old Town area, the five international students wore beautifully styled kebaya. Together with 100 women from schools and kebaya communities across Semarang, they showcased diverse colors and designs, creating a stunning blend of tradition and creativity.
One of the participants, Elizaveta Lebedeva from Russia, expressed her pride in representing UNNES at the millennial kebaya parade.
“Kebaya is a symbol of Indonesian beauty and elegance. I’m so happy to wear it—it makes me feel like a princess. This is an unforgettable cultural experience,” said Liza while adjusting her outfit.
UNNES Rector, Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., expressed his pride in the international students’ participation in the Semarang Old Town Festival. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between international and local students in enriching educational experiences.
Through their participation, UNNES international students have made a positive contribution to promoting Indonesia’s rich culture to the world. Their involvement serves as a reminder that culture can be a strong bridge for understanding, respecting, and celebrating diversity.
Collaboration and Creativity: UNNES Dance Education Students Present Dance Performance Showcase
The Dance Education Study Program, Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), once again demonstrated its vitality through the Dance Performance Showcase held on Saturday (December 21) at Building B6, FBS UNNES. The event began at 1:00 p.m. and was officially opened by the Head of the Drama, Dance, and Music Education Program, Dr. Eny Kusumastuti, M.Pd.
The showcase featured a series of captivating dance performances created by students from the UNNES Dance Education Study Program. Open to the public and free of charge, this event was a collaborative project by students enrolled in the Performance Management and Dance Choreography courses, under the guidance of lecturers Moh. Hasan Bisri, S.Sn., M.Sn., Dr. Wahyu Lestari, M.Pd., Dr. Restu Lanjari, M.Pd., Rimasari Pramesti Putri, S.Pd., M.Pd., Sestri Indah Pebrianti, S.Pd., M.A., and Usrek Tani Utina, S.Pd., M.A.
In this event, students were not only responsible for creating dance works but were also directly involved in managing every aspect of the performance, from planning to execution. The showcase served as a practical learning space that allowed students to apply the theoretical knowledge they had gained in class.
The performance was enlivened by special presentations from fifth-semester Dance Education students, including Dana Kramanjana, Tyastri Dhipatya, Palivier, Kadigdayan, Aśāloka, Kalibrasi, Laku Urip, Cigarettes, Mbok Bakul, Gungasmara, Ekatara, Pandana Ratri, and Swastamita Duhsvapta.
The audience was treated to a diverse range of dance pieces rich in aesthetic and moral values, exploring themes such as the importance of local wisdom, the journey of human life, and tributes to the strength of women. Each performance reflected the students’ creativity in exploring different themes and styles, offering audiences a vibrant artistic experience.
The event was supported by partners such as Seven Audio, B7TVHD B7Studio, and Alpro, and sponsored by several organizations, including BCA and Sahana. This support represents an appreciation for the students’ efforts in producing high-quality artistic works.
Through this showcase, UNNES reaffirmed its commitment to producing graduates who possess not only academic excellence but also practical skills that prepare them to compete in the fields of art and culture. It is hoped that this performance will inspire other students to continue creating and contributing to the advancement of Indonesian dance art.
