The Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) of Universitas Brawijaya (UB) received a visit from the elected Mayor of Batu, Nurochman, S.H., M.H., who is familiarly called Cak Nur, and his entourage on Wednesday (1/8/2025). This visit was part of a discussion to explore cooperation between the Batu City Government and Tianjin, China, in developing the Indonesian Cultural House (RBI) with the Pentahelix ABCGM (Academic, Business, Community, Government, and Media) concept.
The event took place in the FCS UB Building A Hall. It was attended by various parties from the Batu City Mayor’s team and invitees involved in developing culture, education, and the creative economy.
In her remarks, Hamamah, Ph.D., Dean of FCS UB, explained the reasons for choosing Tianjin as a cooperation partner where this collaboration began with U-to-U cooperation between UB and Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFSU).
“With the entry of the Chinese industry (in Indonesia), which turned out to be accompanied by the entry of culture through the Confucius Institute, we need to respond with reciprocal steps through cultural diplomacy. Therefore, we try to open this cultural diplomacy through the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing,” said Hamamah, Ph.D.
The elected Mayor of Batu City, Cak Nur, appreciated FCS UB’s step in bridging cultural diplomacy through RBI.
“Alhamdulillah, it is my first opportunity after the regional head election. It is the first time we have done formal activities. This moment is very important because, in 2025, we will formulate the RPJMD for the next 5 years,” he said.
“Batu City, as a young city, must improve its identity by raising the potential of local culture. We are ready to initiate the Greater Malang synergy to bring real impact to the community,” he said.
In addition, Cak Nur mentioned that the Batu City Government will utilize this cooperation to increase tourism potential.
“Batu’s MSMEs have tremendous opportunities to be developed. With the support of academics and the community, we are optimistic that our vision and mission can be realized,” he added.
The discussion also involved views from various parties. Sunarto or Cak Narto, a Batu City Arts Council (DKKB) representative, supported this collaboration.
“We want to ensure that Batu City’s arts and culture are not only attractions but also traditions that can support the agricultural sector and the community’s economy,” he said.
Nanang Endrayanto, S.S., M.Sc., Vice Dean for General Affairs, Finance, and Resources of FCS UB, emphasized the importance of synergy between academics and the government to create culture-based innovations.
“This RBI is the first step to Globalizing UB, but we also want to develop Malang Raya by Globalizing Malang Raya. We want to develop a culture-based industry. We must admit that we have a lot to learn from China. Therefore, we want to utilize China’s experience in developing creative industries as inspiration for Batu City and Malang Raya,” he said.
The event closed with the handover of souvenirs and a group photo session, marking a good start for long-term collaboration between Batu City and UB.
The Dean of FCS UB emphasized, “We are ready to assist the development of Batu City according to the Mayor’s vision and mission, especially in strengthening culture and tourism.” [dts/PR FCS]