Indonesia is well known for the cultural diversity and it ought to be preserved and fostered. To maintain and acquaint Indonesian culture, Art and Culture Division of Student English Activity (SEA) of Universitas Muhmmadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) conducted SEAKATEN on Thursday evening (10/9) at Concert Hall of Taman Budaya Yogyakarta (TBY). It was the third SEAKATEN and raised a theme of ‘Nguri Uri Kabudayan’. The event presented dances, arts, and theaters.
A representative of Student Affairs of UMY Sugito, S.IP., M.Si. contended that students were supposed to organize the event since it is essential to preserve and introduce Indonesian culture. It displayed their sense of belonging to their nation. “Students as young generation are supposed to maintain and acquaint Indonesia culture like ethnic dances and other diversities getting overlooked. One of the ways to preserve the culture is by holding cultural performances like SEA did,” he stated.
Additionally, the theme of the event aimed at re-establishing Indonesian cultures getting overlooked. Chief of the committee Ekan Nilam Armina conveyed, “It is essential to raising brand awareness of Indonesian culture so that Indonesia people, particularly in Yogyakarta, will love his identity more as Indonesian,” he argued. Enlivening the event, an Indonesian humanist concerning with Indonesian dances Didik Nini Thowok also presented special performance. “A performance of Didik Nini Thowok livened up the SEAKATEN so that the spectators were getting enthusiastic,” inserted Nilam.
The distinction of this SEAKATEN from previous SEAKATENs was on the concept, venue, and the performers focusing on Indonesian cultures only. “In the previous years, we integrated western culture in Indonesia culture for the performances, yet this year we only acquainted Indonesian cultures only,” told Tahta Ardian as an event director. Additionally, the event presented a special performance of Didik Nini Thowok, dances, theaters, and music from SAKA (UGM), GRASADHA (Sanata Dharma), SENTAKA MUDYA (UMY), and Opera Fun Jeta.
