Source: Untar Public Relations – WA
Untar provided a platform for student creative expression through the largest annual event of the Student Activity Unit (UKM) FESTA, or the Tarumanagara Magic Federation, namely FESTA Magic Gathering 2025. The event was held on Thursday (24/07/2025) at the Auditorium of Building A, Untar Campus II, carrying the theme “Be Brave to Improve.”
Featuring several professional magicians from both domestic and international stages, the event served as an educational and entertaining platform that blended art, showmanship, and personal development. One of the main highlights was Demian Aditya, a renowned Indonesian illusionist who once performed on America’s Got Talent. He was joined by Park Jongwon, a magician from South Korea known for his spectacular fire and laser show performances.
Lecture session with Teby and Demian // Photo: Untar Public Relations – WA
Both shared their experiences on the importance of personal branding, creativity, and relevance in the world of modern magic performance. “Showmanship is the key to delivering magic to the audience. Without a strong character, even the most impressive tricks can lose their magic,” said Demian during the talk show session.
Magician Park Jongwon sharing magic tips and tricks // Photo: Untar Public Relations – CS
The event was also moderated by Teby Winsen, an alumnus of Untar’s Faculty of Engineering, founder of UKM FESTA, and third-place winner of the Magic Busking category at BIMF 2024. In his remarks, Teby reminisced about his journey in establishing UKM FESTA during his college years.
“I will never forget the support of Mr. Didi, the lecturer who always encouraged me to dream big. Untar is a place that provides space to grow, and FESTA is the proof,” said Teby, referring to Didi Widya Utama, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Secretary of the Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Program.
Tri Sutrisno, S.Si., M.Sc., Head of the Student and Alumni Affairs Office at Untar, was also present and expressed his appreciation to all parties involved. “Student organizations like FESTA are not just gathering spaces, but also laboratories for character building and student creativity. This event shows that Untar consistently supports the growth of student potential beyond academics,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Frans Jozef Lo, the Event Chairperson, expressed his hope that FESTA Magic Gathering would become an inclusive space for all students interested in the art of magic. “Magic is an art that can bring people together from diverse backgrounds. Through this event, we aim to open more opportunities for students to grow,” he said.
In addition to the lecture and show sessions, the event was enlivened by performances from young magicians aged 9 to 13, as well as guest magicians from magic communities across Indonesia and abroad. Participants were also invited to visit magic props exhibition booths and engage in direct discussions with professional magic practitioners.
With an interactive, warm, and inspiring atmosphere, FESTA Magic Gathering 2025 proved that personal development and creativity are essential parts of higher education. Through UKM FESTA, Untar remains committed to creating spaces for innovation and expression for the younger generation—both on stage and behind the curtain of magic.
(VA/AJ)