The event was attended by the Director of the Directorate of Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization, and Reputation of UNS, Ibrahim Fatwa Wijaya, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.; the Head of the UNS Chinese Language Center, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S.; and several other guests.

Remarks from Prof. Yunus

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., emphasized the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival 2025 celebration. He stated that the event is a concrete example of the Confucius Institute’s commitment to strengthening cultural relations between China and Indonesia. This commitment is also reflected in various programs involving students and academics. He also explained that the Dragon Boat Festival commemorates Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and loyal minister from the ancient state of Chu, now part of Hubei Province.

“This event is evidence that the blending of Chinese and Indonesian cultures continues to flourish, especially through people-to-people exchanges conducted by the Confucius Institute involving students and academics from various backgrounds,” said Prof. Yunus.

Remarks from Ibrahim

Following Prof. Yunus’s remarks, the Director of the Directorate of Planning, Cooperation, Internationalization, and Reputation of UNS, Ibrahim Fatwa Wijaya, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., also shared his thoughts. He deeply appreciated the Chinese Language Center for organizing this year’s Dragon Boat Festival. He noted that the event was a celebration and a meaningful effort to preserve cultural values and strengthen international relationships.

“The annual Dragon Boat Festival also serves as a special occasion to preserve culinary heritage, such as bakcang, as well as various forms of traditional Chinese art,” said Ibrahim.

Ibrahim further expressed his hope that this event would help strengthen social bonds among the UNS academicians. “May today’s event serve as a means of fostering connection and togetherness. Happy Dragon Boat Festival, and enjoy the bakcang,” he said, drawing warm applause from the audience.

Interactive Session with the Attendees

Following the speeches, the event continued with a group photo session featuring guests and UNS officials. The atmosphere grew even more cordial as everyone joined to enjoy bakcang, a traditional Chinese rice dumpling and a symbolic dish of the Dragon Boat Festival. This shared meal deepened interpersonal connections and introduced the richness of Chinese culinary culture to the UNS community.

The event concluded with an interactive session where participants made xiangnang (small aromatherapy sachets filled with herbal plants traditionally worn or placed at home to repel ants and mosquitoes). In addition, attendees also learned how to make handcrafted woven items and paper origami art. Through these hands-on activities, participanwts could celebrate the festival ceremonially and engage with Chinese traditions educationally and enjoyably. Humas UNS

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The event featured a diverse array of performances. It opened with a traditional dance performance titled Roro Ngigel, presented by students from the Traditional Arts Coordination Board (BKKT) at UNS. After welcoming remarks from university leaders and CI UNS representatives, the celebration continued with performances from the top three finalists of the Mandarin Song Singing Competition, chosen in earlier rounds. As a gesture of appreciation, prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners by Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., the Head of the Confucius Institute at UNS.

A Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration

Additionally, the celebration also included a live Chinese calligraphy (Shufa) demonstration by 王先进 Wang Xiānjìn (Wang Sien Tjin), a Shufa expert from Bina Widya Solo Trilingual School. The demonstration was accompanied by the soothing sounds of the traditional Chinese instrument, the Guzheng, played by Ma Xiao Cheng, a native of China.

“Shufa is not just beautiful brush strokes; it’s full of meaning,” Wang Sien Tjin explained before starting the painting. “Without meaning, it would be mere decorative patterns. Shufa is far more than that.”

Dance Performances and Cultural Exhibitions

The celebration continued with performances by Aurenix, a dance group from the Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture (BMKT) undergraduate program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UNS. It was followed by another dance performance from Chizzy, a group of students from the Mandarin Language Diploma Program at the Vocational School (SV) UNS.

Meanwhile, attendees explored exhibitions showcasing Chinese handicrafts and participated in origami demonstrations by Andam Dewi. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn the art of Shufa and create their calligraphy. Many took the chance to have custom Shufa calligraphy featuring their names as personal keepsakes.

Barongsai and Liong: The Grand Finale

The event concluded with a special performance of Barongsai (Lion Dance) and Liong (Dragon Dance) by Tri Pusaka. Mall visitors filled the venue to watch the breathtaking acrobatics of the lion dancers. From the ground floor to the top levels, crowds were eager to witness the action. After the performance, many children joyfully posed for photos with the Barongsai, cherishing the moment as they experienced the vibrant celebration firsthand.

Humas UNS

Reporter: Dikky Yudi Pradana

Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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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

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The offline opening ceremony was attended by Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs UNS, Prof. Ahmad Yunus, Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS, Prof. Sajidan, Dean of FIB UNS, Prof. Warto, and the Director of Confucius Institute (CI) UNS, Stephanie Phanata, B.Ed., M.TCSOL. Attending the online ceremony was the Rector of Xihua University, Prof. LIU Shugen, Consul General of China in Surabaya, Mr. GU Jingqi, and the Dean of FSJ Xihua University, Prof. PAN Shuxian. The opening ceremony was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs UNS, Prof. Sajidan.

In his opening remark, representing the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs UNS, Prof. Ahmad Yunus congratulated the opening of the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture. Prof. Yunus mentioned that the new program is in line with the priority of UNS and FIB vision and UNS strategic planning 2020-2024 to support the autonomous university program in achieving an international reputation through its vision to become a leading program at the international level in developing Mandarin Language and Chinese culture in 2030 based on the national culture.

“We saw FIB’s seriousness in opening the program. This is not an easy task; it takes time, teamwork, and thoroughness in preparation. We appreciate the work and this outcome,” Prof. Yunus explained.

Prof. Yunus added that the opening of the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture becomes a strategic step in supporting the Indonesian government program with China to develop collaboration in various fields, including in the economic sector, social life, education, tourist, and culture. The new program is expected to shape excellent, reliable, and competent graduates in their fields. Prof. Yunus believes that the humanist approach could open collaboration in various fields that will run smoothly and benefit both parties while strengthening both countries’ relationships.

“Our gratitude to Xihua University and Confucius Institute for collaborating in opening the Undergraduate Program in Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture UNS,” he added.

The Rector of Xihua University, Prof. LIU Shugen, greatly appreciated the new program and stated that it is the result of collaboration between the universities. “Hopefully, our collaboration will become stronger in the future,” he added. Prof. LIU also hoped that more UNS students and faculty members could continue their studies at Xihua University.

The Dean of FIB UNS, Prof. Warto, added that the new program is expected to achieve its vision and missions through the higher education Tri Dharma in education, research, and community services. “Hopefully, the opening of this program benefits the community and motivates the development of Chinese language, literature, and culture (sinology) in Indonesia, or even at the international level,” Prof. Warto stated. Humas UNS

Reporter: Dwi Hastuti

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