On Wednesday, April 15, the “Bunsu Rusa” musical drama was served as Soegijapranata Catholic University’s (SCU) medium to introduce the rich culture of Borneo. It was performed at Auditorium Agnes Widanti by SCU’s Student Activity Unit, Teater Anting, during the Winter Camp and International Day held by the International Affairs and Cooperation Office (IACO).
Najwa Pinandhita Anindyamayza, Project Manager of Winter Camp and International Day, explained that this drama is based on a song from Iban Dayak mythology.
“Kalimantan culture has its own uniqueness and has not been widely exposed compared to cultures on other islands in Indonesia. The selection was also specific so that international students do not only know about Indonesian culture in general,” explained Najwa.
“This musical drama performance attracted the attention of international students not only at SCU, but also from various universities in Central Java, especially Semarang. This forum also served as a space for direct interaction among students. ‘We hope that relationships are forged, so that an international network among students can also be built,” Najwa added.
Besides musical dramas, Indonesian culture is also introduced through the traditional herbal drink, jamu. Students were treated to a jamu making demonstration and even allowed to taste it directly. According to Najwa, jamu has the potential to become a globally renowned signature drink, which is why it must be introduced more closely to international students.
Jamu is a strong gastronomic icon in Semarang City and Central Java Province. Hence, SCU also have special lecture programs and workshops on jamu regularly held by the Faculty of Agricultural Technology.
In addition to introducing Indonesian culture, this forum is an effort to encourage SCU student involvement in various international programs. Several programs were introduced, ranging from student exchanges to International Community Service through global volunteering.
