UNS – International students at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta recently delved into the rich traditions of Javanese culture during a visit to the Center of Excellence Javanology (PUI Javanologi). As part of the Summer Camp INHERIT 2024 program, the students were introduced to the arts of Batik and Karawitan on Monday (12/8/2024). The event took place at the R.Ng Ranggawarsita Building and Pendhapa R.Ng. Yasadipura at PUI Javanologi UNS.

This program is a series of the Summer Camp organized by the Technical Implementation Unit for International Cooperation and Services or International Office at UNS. The 30 participants included 15 students from Daito Bunka University, Japan; 7 students from Kokushikan University, Japan; and 8 international students from UNS hailing from Japan, Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, and Timor Leste.

The first session featured a Karawitan class led by Takariadi Sapto Dibyo, a cultural enthusiast from PUI Javanologi UNS. He began by explaining the fundamentals of Karawitan and the musical piece that would be performed. The Summer Camp INHERIT 2024 participants appeared enthusiastic as they practiced playing the gamelan.

“In just one hour, the participants were able to grasp the melodies being played,” Takariadi Sapto Dibyo said.

The following session focused on Batik, taught by Dra. Tiwi Bina Affanti, M.Sn., and Apika Nurani S., S.Sn., M.Sn., both lecturers in the Textile Crafts Study Program at the Faculty of Arts and Design (FSRD) UNS, as well as peer group managers at PUI Javanologi UNS.

Tiwi provided a brief overview of Batik and the tools needed for the craft. The students then practiced drawing with a canting on pre-patterned fabric. The international students expressed great interest in learning about Batik and appreciated the hands-on experience, which covered the techniques from applying wax with a canting to dyeing the fabric, all within a 120-minute session.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji

Editor: Dwi Hastuti