A total of 11 cultural clubs (UKKb) at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta enlivened the Cultural Parade, which was held in front of Koinonia Auditorium from November 6 to November 7, 2023.
The Cultural Parade is an annual program of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of UKDW, which aims to provide room and opportunities for students to demonstrate the customs, culture, and uniqueness of each region. UKKb is a community or cultural forum that aims to accommodate students so they can explore their cultures and traditions and not forget their homeland.
With the theme Sukma: Harmoni of Nusantara “Exploring Potential & Innovating”, the 2023 Cultural Parade aims to promote the values of harmony and diversity to make it easier for students to explore and innovate the local potential. This event featured performances from the 11 cultural clubs consisting of dance, music, vocal groups, cultural parades, and other cultural shows. This cultural event was also enlivened by guest stars from Saymad, Alice Band, DJ Ignas, Jogja Fire Foundation, and Gamelan. Apart from that, there are also several UKKb stands and MSME tenants.
Present at the opening ceremony were Dr.-Ing Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T. (UKDW Rector), Dr. Parmonangan Manurung, S.T., M.T., IAI (Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, Information and Innovation), Ariel Salenussa (Head of Committee of the 2023 Cultural Parade), Gilbert Yeremia Mamesah (President of the Student Executive Board UKDW), members of cultural clubs, UMKM stand guard, and local residents.
In her opening remark, Dr.-Ing Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T. expressed her hope that the 2023 Cultural Parade can foster a sense of unity between UKDW students, staff, and lecturers despite the cultural, ethnic, and racial differences. “Today’s event is special because, through this event, we can all harmonize the diversity of local cultures students possess. “Local culture has its own uniqueness and must be preserved as it,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ariel Salenussa expressed his thanks to all stakeholders who have supported the 2023 Cultural Parade. “Thank you for the contribution of all committee members, UKKb, BEM, and the UKDW Rectorate who have supported this event. The previous cultural festival was on hiatus during the pandemic. Last year, the event could only held in Ngasem. Thank God we can hold this event on campus this year. Hopefully, through this activity, we can introduce each culture of each UKKb, and the event can run smoothly,” he said.
This Cultural Parade displays how UKDW embraces ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity. UKDW facilitates its students to explore the local potential of each region, especially in the current era of globalization, where massive cultural acculturation is occurring. (F. Business/FP/Eng.drr)