UNS – The Mandarin Language Center (PBM), also known as the Confucius Institute (CI) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, recently celebrated the 2025 Chinese New Year Festival. The event took place on Saturday (25/1/2025), at the Broadway Atrium, The Park Mall Solo Baru. This year’s celebration, themed “The Sparkling Spirit of Happiness in the Year of the Snake,” emphasized unity, joy, and cultural richness.
The 2025 UNS Chinese New Year Celebration saw attendance from key figures such as the Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si.; Vice Rector Prof. Irwan Trinugroho, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.; and the Head of CI UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S. Additionally, Dr. Fan Jie, Head of the Confucius Institute China, along with other deans, lecturers, and staff from UNS, participated in the event.
Prof. Yunus: The Role of CI UNS in Strengthening Relations
In his remarks, Prof. Yunus emphasized the significant role of CI UNS in fostering relations between Indonesia and China.
“CI UNS not only focuses on teaching Mandarin and Chinese culture but also actively collaborates with various companies to create job opportunities for UNS alumni in multiple fields. Therefore, CI UNS plays a crucial role in establishing partnerships across industries in both Indonesia and China. So far, several students have been recruited by companies in Batang, Morowali, and Palembang, as well as in China. We hope that CI UNS can continue organizing similar programs and activities in the future,” Prof. Yunus stated.
Dr. Ji Fan: A Cultural Exchange Beyond Borders
Dr. Ji Fan delivered his remarks in Mandarin, highlighting that the cultural exchange is mutual—not only introducing Chinese culture in Indonesia but also promoting Javanese culture in China. He also noted that the Chinese New Year celebration has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
“We are concluding the Year of the Dragon in 2024 and welcoming the Year of the Snake in 2025 with optimism. In 2024, CI UNS organized various activities, including Mandarin language training and China-Indonesia cultural exchanges, which allowed more Indonesians to learn Mandarin and understand Chinese culture. Additionally, these activities served as a platform to introduce Indonesian (particularly Javanese) culture to Chinese students,” Dr. Ji Fan said.
He further stated that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, and CI UNS is committed to contributing to high-quality educational and cultural services. CI UNS also provides scholarships and internship opportunities at Chinese companies.
“In December 2024, the Chinese New Year Festival was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. This recognition affirms that Chinese New Year is not only the largest festival for the Chinese community but also a cultural heritage for all of humanity,” Dr. Ji Fan concluded.
Prof. Hartono: Embracing Universal Values
On this occasion, Prof. Hartono highlighted that CI UNS has served as a vital bridge in fostering academic, social, and cultural ties between Indonesia and China.
“Chinese New Year is not just a traditional celebration; it carries universal values that are highly relevant to all of us, such as harmony, unity, and gratitude. The 2025 Chinese New Year ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolizing intelligence, wisdom, and adaptability, while the wood element represents growth, vitality, and new opportunities,” Prof. Hartono said.
CI UNS has played a crucial role in strengthening cultural, academic, and social relations between Indonesia and China. “Through events like this Chinese New Year Festival, we not only learn about and appreciate different cultures but also reinforce the spirit of multiculturalism in our diverse society. This spirit of collaboration aligns with our vision of becoming a world-class university while remaining rooted in local cultural values and diversity,” Prof. Hartono concluded.
Festival Performances and Public Engagement
The festival showcased diverse performances, from exhibitions and dances to musical acts and special attractions, making the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration at The Park Mall Solo Baru an unforgettable event. Hundreds of visitors also enthusiastically participated in witnessing the series of events marking the celebration.
Humas UNS
Reporter: Dikky Yudi Pradana
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
