UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta and Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Surakarta held a Christmas celebration on Thursday (27/1/2022). The offline celebration was held in Building F ISI Surakarta was attended by the executive board of each university and live-streamed through the YouTube channels.
The Vice-Rector for Management and Human Resources Affairs UNS, Prof. Bandi, and UNS Christian Association was welcomed by the Rector of ISI Surakarta, Dr. I Nyoman Sukerna.
The striking difference between this year’s and previous year’s celebrations was the thick Javanese culture permeated in this year’s celebration. The songs and preach were all delivered in Javanese, followed by Gamelan music accompaniment.
Prof. Bandi, representing the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, delivered his gratitude for the warm greeting from ISI Surakarta. Prof. Bandi also appreciated ISI Surakarta as the host for holding a Christmas celebration that is thick with Javanese culture.
“President Joko Widodo once said ‘Spirit of Java’ is in Solo. Representing the Rector of UNS, I send a message of unity and tolerance inter-religious community,” Prof. Bandi stated.
The Vice-Rector also reminded us that the Christmas celebration between UNS and ISI Surakarta could spread the spirit of love and unity among the people.
Dr. I Nyoman Sukerna, in his opening remark, stated that the theme of “Christ Love that Moved Solidarity” promoted in this celebration need to be defined as improving life by becoming a person that benefits the community and achieving world peace.
“This Christmas celebration is a means of solidarity of inter-religious communities in UNS and ISI Surakarta,” he stated.
He also hoped that the celebration could give meaning and strengthen the solidarity among the inter-religious communities. The celebration was opened with Gendhing Manguyu-uyu, Beksan Umbul Donga, followed by Pandonga Syafaat oleh Dr. Ir. Timotius. Haryono, M.Th. UNS Golek Mugirahayu dance and Opera Akapela “Cahyo Tanpo Asmo” from ISI Surakarta were also presented in the celebration. The celebration was concluded with preaching from Pdt. Dr. Uri Christian Sakti Labeti. S.Si., M.Sn. Humas UNS
Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti