Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) brought smiles, laughter, and nostalgia to life during the Festival Dolanan Anak 2025, held in celebration of its 60th Dies Natalis. The event, taking place at Lapangan Dumadi and in front of the Prof. Soegijono Lab Building, supports Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by preserving local culture through education and intergenerational engagement.
The festival began with a warm welcome to guests, including UNNES leaders, government officials, partners from Indonesia Power, and excited elementary school students. The opening performance featured students from the Lab School Primary demonstrating traditional games such as Dakon, Cublak-Cublak Suweng, and Bekel, accompanied by live music from Trah Segoro, a group from UNNES’s partner village, Ngesrepbalong.
A highlight of the morning was a collaborative cultural performance by Svara Mahindrani, a talented young singer, and Lab School students, who presented the beloved folk songs “Cublak-Cublak Suweng” and “Padang Bulan.”
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nana Kariada Tri Martuti, Head of the UNNES Conservation Sub directorate, emphasized the educational value of traditional games in building character, local wisdom, and environmental awareness.
The festival was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Zaenuri, M.Si., Akt., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, who spun a gangsing (traditional top) as a symbolic gesture. He then joined other leaders, international students, and members of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan in a lively bakiak (clog) race that brought cheers from the audience.
Young children from PAUD Sekar Nagari also charmed the crowd with a delightful performance before the competitions began.
Ten elementary schools participated in the competition:
SDN Sadeng 03, SDN Polaman, SDN Ngaliyan 05, SDN Patemon 02, SDN Kalisegoro, SDN Ngijo 01, SDN Nongkosawit 01, SDN Sadeng 02, SDN Pesantren, SDN Pakintelan 02
Students took part in traditional games competitions, including:
- Bakiak (long clog race)
- Egrang (stilt walking)
- Lari Balok (block relay)
- Ketapel (slingshot)
- Gobak Sodor (tag team game)
The atmosphere was festive and full of teamwork, laughter, and cultural pride. Beyond competition, the event emphasized the values of sportsperson ship, joy, and preserving traditional heritage.
Supported by PT. PLN Indonesia Power, the Festival Dolanan Anak 2025 reflects UNNES’s ongoing efforts to integrate culture and education, fostering a deeper appreciation for Indonesia’s heritage among younger generations.
UNNES continues to prove that learning goes beyond textbooks—it lives through tradition, community, and joyful experiences.
