UNS — ‘Menunggu saat Berjumpa’ (to wait for a meeting) is selected as the theme for Virtual UNS Cultural Night (UCN) 2020, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta annual agenda held through virtual media on Friday (13/11/2020). The theme represents people’s feeling due to the restriction to meet others and the feeling of waiting for the time to meet with loved ones amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
In this UCN, viewers were taken to get to know the different culture from different countries virtually and to release their longing to UNS and its diversity. Moreover, for international students who are studying from their home country all over the world. “This theme pierces out heart. Eight months of Covid-19 pandemic has changed the order of life. But amid this pandemic, UCN can cure our longing,” the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho mentioned in his remark.
Opened with Tanjidor Kahat Dance from West Java, UCN 2020 which postponed several times, continue to offer cultural performances from UNS international students and alumni. The international students came from more than 20 countries, including Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Thailand, Vietnam, Suriname, Netherlands, India, Russia, and Timor-Leste. However, before sharing performances from international fellows, the audiences were served with Millenials Keroncong through Kala Cinta Menggoda (when love tease) song and Bengawan Solo.
The international students performed Tari Dahur, Timor-Leste traditional dance used to welcome special guests, followed by Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Libya students who each sang a song on love and describing the friendliness of their country. Other performers, Joy Lausa (Philippines), Kota Owatari (Japan), and Margarita (Russia) surprised the audience with their collaboration by singing ‘Dekat di Hati’ (near to my heart) song from RAN which some parts of the lyrics were sung in their language. There was also African dance which is a collaboration from Madagascar, Rwanda, and Nigeria students. Togetherness was felt when students from 9 countries showcasing their traditional fashion.
Three Tastes Three Stories
One of the most awaited parts in UCN is tasting foods from various countries. However, in this 12th UCN held virtually, UCN replayed a video from 2015 titled ‘Tiga Lidah Tiga Cerita’ (three tastes three stories) that told the story that different country has different taste of foods. The 6 minutes video summarized the story of three UNS international students, Mukhridin Khosimov (Uzbekistan), Huang Zhaoying a.k.a Cherry (China), and Jean Jacques or Jeje (Madagascar) experience with foods in Solo.
Cultural diversity, and food in particular, often become the main problem for immigrants, as mentioned by Jeje who finds it difficult to eat spicy and sweet foods. “Because in Madagascar the foods are salty,” Jeje said in the video. Nevertheless, Jeje tried to blend with the local community and adjusted to the language, and foods in Solo. Until finally, there was a food that he can enjoy, gado-gado. Jeje also recommended foods in Solo which he thinks is cheap.
Remembering Didi Kempot and Glenn Fredly
Two famous artists of Indonesia, Didi Kempot and Glenn Fredly who rest their soul in 2020 have works enjoyed by not only people of Indonesia but also abroad. Entering the last hour of the event, Virtual UCN 2020 invited audiences to remember the two artists. Jean Baptiste who goes by Mas Aboy as a nickname, came from Burgundy and sang Pamer Bojo (showing off your spouse) from Didi Kempot. In a short video, Mas Aboy sang the Javanese song fluently, complete with batik shirt and blangkon (traditional Javanese headdress). No less interesting is the song ‘Terserah’ (up to you) from Glenn Fredly was sung by Tommy from Madagascar with full appreciation. Positive responses were given to both of them.
The overall event of Virtual UCN 2020 obtained great enthusiasm from the audience which reached almost 6,000 audiences until this news released. Appreciation was also delivered to Prof. Jamal from UNS International Office as the managing committee of Virtual UCN 2020. “Energic and incredible for incorporating UNS alumni and international students to attend UCN. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, I am very lucky to be able to accompany all of you, international students and alumni. Stay united and reminisce UNS,” Prof. Jamal stated. Humas UNS
Reporter: Kaffa Hidayati
Editor: Dwi Hastuti