Prof. Warto stated that the case is problematic to categorize the action as cultural appropriation without thorough examination because culture is spreading. The process brings together the foreign culture and the local culture, leading to acceptance or rejection. Therefore, cultural appropriation is not a new phenomenon but instead has occurred from the beginning of civilization and is a part of cultural processes. This process shows that culture is changing and developing naturally.

“The cultural appropriation case between South Korea and China needs to be studied based on its context. The term cannot be implemented haphazardly. Cultural appropriation requires a thorough observation, whether it was just copying or expropriation, or it is actually a cultural appreciation,” Prof. Warto explained on Saturday (19/2/2022).

Currently, Prof. Warto added that many Indonesians, especially young people, copy Korean culture from physical appearance, hairstyle, and way of speaking. But can we consider it as a cultural appropriation? Not necessarily, unless one started to claim it as theirs.

Prof. Warto added that the case between South Korea and China needs to be assessed. For example, the development of Reog Ponorogo in Malaysia by Indonesians who made a living there. Thus, it was natural to have similarities with the authentic performance here. However, it was an issue when the country tried to claim it as their authentic culture without tracing its roots. Therefore, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination.

Lastly, Prof. Warto reminded UNS academic members to be wise in responding to such issues. “Examine to what level the claim was. If it was an appreciation, there is no problem. See cultural appropriation issues thoroughly before sharing your views whether it is an expropriation from its original owner,” he concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa

Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS Professor on Cultural Appropriation Case Between South Korea and China appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

The ceremony was attended by the executive management of both universities. UNS was represented by the Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS Prof. Sajidan, UNS Secretary Dr. Drajat Tri Kartono, Director of Partnership, Development, and Internationalization UNS Irwan Trinugroho, Ph.D., Dean of FIB UNS Prof. Warto, and Director of Confucius Institute (CI) UNS Stephanie Phanata, B.Ed., M.TCSOL.

In the ceremony, Xihua University was represented by the Rector of Xihua University Prof. LIU Shugeng, Vice-Rector for International Partnership Xihua University Prof. FEI Ling, Director of Mandarin Language Center (PBM) UNS from China Assoc. Prof. LU Yu, and the Dean of Faculty of Linguistic and Journalism Xihua University PAN Shuxian.

In his remark, Prof. Sajidan thanked FIB UNS Dean, CI UNS, and Xihua University for their consistency in implementing a partnership in education and culture between Indonesia and China despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the signing ceremony for the collaboration to establish CI in FIB UNS in 2018, many programs in education and culture have been implemented through the collaboration. Representing the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, Prof. Sajidan added that the new Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture is a serious step from UNS to build and develop international collaboration after its designation as PTNBH in 2020.

“This collaboration could bring together culture and literature as a means to connect the Javanese and Bashu culture in Mandarin-Indonesia literature studies. We sincerely thank the executive management and academic members of Xihua University and PBM UNS, and we hope that this undergraduate program could contribute to better the community,” Prof. Sajidan stated.

The sincere gratitude from Prof. Sajidan received positive responses from the Rector of Xihua University Prof. LIU Shugeng, who mentioned in his remark that UNS had implemented the agreement sincerely and truthfully, marked by various events held by PBM UNS, such as an international webinar on “Building Javanese-Bashy Friendship to Strengthen International Partnership between UNS and Xihua University” to the Cloud Summer Camp. Through the number of events and participants, PBM UNS has proved its commitment to implementing the cultural exchange between Javanese and Bashu cultures.

“During these three years, through sincere and honest collaboration between both universities, a new collaboration was born and develop through a better journey. We want to share our gratitude to (UNS) executive management and boards for the support and serious efforts,” Prof. LIU Shugeng stated.

Through the MoU signing on the opening of the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture, Prof. LIU Shugeng specifically hoped that the new program could strengthen the partnership between UNS and Xihua University. He believes that UNS will be able to build the new program into a program with leading characters and achieved success. Prof. LIU concluded his remark with the hope that the process to establish the new program will run smoothly and to wish a good Confucius Education Day celebration. Humas UNS

Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Signing MoU with Xihua University China, UNS Ready to Open International Undergraduate Program appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.