Doc: Untar Public Relations – ER
Youth Pledge Day serves as a moment for Indonesia’s younger generation to reflect on the struggle of the nation’s youth 96 years ago. The spirit demonstrated by previous generations remains a valuable example in realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045 and building a brighter and more advanced future for the nation.
This message was conveyed by Untar Rector Prof. Dr. Amad Sudiro, S.H., M.H., M.Kn., M.M. during the opening of the Archipelago Dance Performance themed “Harmony of the Archipelago,” organized by Untar’s Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) on Monday (28/10/2024) at Untar Campus I.
“Today’s youth are the owners of the nation’s future. With the same spirit shown by the youth of 1928, we can lead Indonesia toward even greater progress in the years ahead,” he said.
The Rector of Untar and the staff officially opened the performance. // Doc: Untar Public Relations – ER
Dean of Untar’s Faculty of Psychology, Sri Tiatri, S.Psi., M.Si., Psikolog, Ph.D., explained that the event was organized to encourage students to appreciate the struggles of Indonesia’s young heroes. With great enthusiasm, FPsi students who are members of the Padmanagara Extracurricular Activity Unit (UKE) showcased a variety of traditional dances from across the archipelago.
“We hope this event will not only serve as a platform for students to develop their artistic and performance skills but also strengthen their ability to collaborate with various parties throughout the preparation and execution of the performance,” she said.
The performance featured a variety of traditional dances and songs from across Indonesia through collaborations among extracurricular organizations within FPsi. The event opened with the Bajidor Kahot Dance, a creative performance that blends Sundanese and Balinese cultural elements, followed by the Kembang Jatoeh Dance from Betawi culture.
The program also included a dance medley combining distinctive movements from various regions, including Java, Bali, Kalimantan, Manado, Ambon, Makassar, and Minangkabau, as well as modern dance performances and drama presentations. Held in the campus courtyard, the event provided the entire Untar academic community with an opportunity to enjoy and celebrate Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
FPsi Student Affairs and Alumni Coordinator Untung Subroto, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog, who also served as the performance director, expressed his hope that the event would become an annual Untar tradition.
He hopes future editions will involve students from various faculties, showcasing diversity and talent on a single cultural stage. He also emphasized the importance of preserving and appreciating Indonesian culture amid the rapid influence of foreign cultures.
The performance of Nusantara dances by FPsi Untar students. // Doc: Untar Public Relations – ER
The Archipelago Dance Performance was first introduced last year as an initiative of FPsi to commemorate Youth Pledge Day. Supported by Untar’s Student Affairs and Alumni Office (Lemawa), the event highlights collaboration among students while fostering engagement, togetherness, and a spirit of patriotism.
Students responded positively to the event, particularly those directly involved in its organization. Ichelle Hitomi Chow, Favorite Untar Ambassador 2024 and one of the event’s hosts, expressed her excitement about participating in the program. For her, the event provided a valuable opportunity to collaborate with various individuals and teams.
Meanwhile, Dea Putery Aisyah, one of the dancers, expressed her pride in being part of the Indonesian nation.
“I am proud to see more and more young people who love and take pride in their homeland, Indonesia,” she said.
The performance also featured Raymond Rowen Nathaniel, an FPsi student recognized for his achievements in music, who performed a selection of Indonesian songs. Raymond has earned numerous prestigious awards, including First Place in the Male Solo Vocal category at SMARTFEST SMA 2 Palangkaraya, First Place in the 2023 City-Level Pesparawi Vocal Group Competition, and Second Place in the Provincial-Level FLS2N Male Solo Vocal Competition, among others.
“This event is very meaningful to me because it allowed me to collaborate with my fellow students. I am grateful for the opportunity to perform here. For me, this event is extraordinary, and I am confident that future editions will become even more spectacular,” he said. (KJ/YS/PA/KJ)