Indonesia
Prof. Hardy and Peking University Students Practice Batik at Batik Soendari
The Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) received an academic visit from Peking University, China, to develop potential cooperation in the culture-based industries, part of the vision of Globalizing UB. The group of 12 students led by Prof. Dr. Yong (Hardy) Xiang, Dean of the Institute for Cultural Industries, visited FCS UB for a week, from Monday to Sunday (2/3-9/2025).
The visit was filled with various academic agendas and cultural explorations, including guest lectures from FCS UB and Prof. Hardy, meetings with the Rector of UB, and direct observation of various thematic villages in Malang Raya, which are real examples of the development of culture-based creative industries.
The group visited Polowijen Cultural Village (KBP) on Wednesday (2/5/2025), where they were presented with a performance of Gambyong Dance and Malang Masked Dance performed by three students from the Sanskrit UKM of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) who were undergoing an artistic internship at KBP.
Peking University Students Learn Malang Masked Dance at Polowijen Cultural Village
In addition to enjoying the dances, the guests also had the opportunity to experience cultural experiences firsthand, such as learning the practice of cethik geni on the stove while getting to know the traditional pawon while tasting the delicious traditional food of Malang, as well as coloring Malangan masks as part of the introduction of typical Malang Masked Characters.
Before visiting KBP, the group stopped by Batik Soendari to practice batik directly and learn about the creative industry in Malang. After that, they were scheduled to visit Kajoetangan Heritage Village, see historical houses, and enjoy the typical afternoon atmosphere of Malang City. At Kajoetangan Heritage Village, the group discussed the potential development of culture-based industries with the Head of Pokdarwis (Tourism Awareness Group) and FX Dominic BB Hera or familiarly called Sisco, as the historian of Malang City.
Discussion with the Head of Pokdarwis and FX Dominic BB Hera (Sisco), Historian of Malang City at Kajoetangan Heritage Village
In her interview, Hamamah, Ph.D., Dean of FCS UB, said that this collaboration is essential for UB to contribute more to developing culture-based industries.
“We want to collaborate with Peking University, which has an Institute for Cultural Industry and very advanced experience in this field. We want to enter into their network, including organizations under UNESCO that focus on the cultural industry,” Hamamah explained.
Furthermore, Hamamah added that this collaboration is not only limited to academics but also includes the development of villages in Malang Raya as part of a sustainable cultural industry.
“We will conduct joint research and rural area development, which will involve students directly so that they can understand the practice of the cultural industry more deeply.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Hardy emphasized that cooperation between Indonesia and China in the cultural industry has excellent potential.
“Indonesia has tremendous cultural resources and is a strategic partner for China. This collaboration could include cultural digitization, the film industry, and the development of a joint platform for the creative industry. I believe the cultural relationship between the two countries will be even closer in the future,” he said.
Dean and Students of Institute for Cultural Industries Peking University Showing Their Batik Results
Prof. Hardy also highlighted the potential for cooperation through international conferences, joint academic publications, and workshops for students and professionals in the cultural industry.
“FCS UB has extraordinary enthusiasm for developing the cultural-based industry. The MOU we have signed is the first step to build more joint projects in the future,” he added.
With this visit, FCS UB further strengthens its position as an academic center oriented towards the globalization of culture-based industries. Collaboration with Peking University benefits educational development and encourages innovation in managing creative sectors locally and internationally.
This collaboration is expected to produce concrete programs that support the growth of the cultural industry in Indonesia and introduce Indonesia’s cultural wealth to the global arena. [dts/PR FCS]