UNAIR NEWS – In the end of 2019, Airlangga Bhinneka Festival (FBA) successfully presents a beautiful cultural expo. FBA is the only cultural performance event in collaboration with all Regional Student Organizations (Ormada) at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR).
The implementation of the program was aimed to introduce the cultural diversity in Indonesia to the general public. The event held on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Airlangga Convention Center (ACC) was attended by 28 regional student organization in UNAIR.
Cultural performances such as typical Bojonegoro dance, South Sulawesi, Minang, Lombok, and other regions enlivened FBA 2019. Head of Culture and Tourism Agency (Disbudpar) East Java Province, Sunarto was also present to open the FBA this year.
In his remarks, Sunarto emphasized that local culture is the nation’s priceless wealth. Culture also has a historical value with philosophical lessons for life.
“The implementation of FBA, hopefully, can motivate various parties to be aware of the importance of culture. Not only to preserve, but also to introduce and teach the nation’s next generation, ” he said.
FBA is not an ordinary event, but a place to introduce regions by UNAIR students. Besides, FBA is not just an expo at Ormada stand, but there is also a fashion parade with local attires and other cultural performances.
This year’s FBA collaborated with Airlangga Asean + 3 Youth Conference and Cultural Program (AAYCCP) and Airlangga Creative Market (ACM). International students from various countries participated in AAYCCP also attended to witness the festivity of FBA.
FBA exists as a pioneer to remind people on nation’s cultural diversity. Furthermore, the community and students continue to know and love the nation’s culture because culture is the identity of a nation.
The event gave visitors opportunity to enjoy Indonesia in just one day. Furthermore, visitors can also taste or buy local souvenirs already available at Ormada stand.
FBA also held a photography contest themed ‘Aesthetics of Archipelago’s Traditions and Cultures’. In the end of the session, Reyog Ponorogo’s art performance was presented as the closing ceremony.
According to the event’s coordinator, Zulfa Anida, cultural performances were the main focus of FBA this year. As in a digital era, people are addicted to new things from the internet. It threatens the existence of local cultures as they are considered old cultures.
The presence of FBA is expected to bring public awareness to continue preserving the nation’s culture and UNAIR students in FBA are expected to be able to preserve the priceless local wisdoms. (*)
Author: Muhammad Wildan Suyuti
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
