Indonesia
The elected Mayor of Malang for the 2024-2029 period, Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat, M.M., expressed his support for developing the Indonesian House of Culture (RBI) in Tianjin, China. The support was conveyed in the Discussion of Exploring Cooperation between the Malang City Government and the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) on Friday (12/20/2024), in the Meeting Room Building A, 2nd Floor FCS UB.
This discussion discussed opportunities for international cooperation based on the Pentahelix ABCGM concept (Academic, Business, Community, Government, and Media), which aims to strengthen cultural diplomacy and improve the image of Malang City at the global level.
In her remarks, the Dean of FCS UB, Hamamah, Ph.D., expressed her gratitude for organizing this meeting. She congratulated Wahyu Hidayat on his election as Mayor of Malang. She hoped this meeting would begin a strong synergy between FCS UB and the Malang City Government.
“We believe the synergy between academics and the government can produce initiatives that positively impact Malang City’s progress and the community’s welfare. We hope this program can bring Malang City to go international,” said Hamamah.
RBI in Tianjin is the result of cooperation between UB and Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFSU), which was inaugurated in May 2024 with the support of the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing. This program aims to introduce the richness of Indonesian culture, including the distinctive culture of Malang City, to the international community.
RBI in Tianjin features a variety of Indonesian cultures, such as traditional music, traditional clothing, performing arts, and culinary. This program also involves the Chinese community in Malang City as part of a more inclusive cultural exchange.
The Dean of FCS UB added that this program also involves various study programs at FCS UB, such as the Study Program of Chinese Literature, which is responsible for translating cultural materials. At the same time, the Study Program of Indonesian Language and Literature Education plays a role in teaching BIPA (Indonesian for Foreign Speakers) and UKBI (Indonesian Language Proficiency Test).
Wahyu Hidayat appreciated FCS UB’s steps in strengthening cultural diplomacy through RBI. He considered this program in line with his vision and mission, especially in the ‘Mbois Berkelas‘ program, which prioritizes culture as one of the main pillars.
“This program is a concrete step to elevate Malang City globally. We are ready to support by facilitating cultural activities and organizing annual cultural-themed events,” Wahyu said.
He added that MSMEs in Malang City also have great potential to be introduced to cultural exhibitions in China. The Malang City Government is committed to expanding this cooperation to impact the economy and tourism of Malang City.
This discussion also discussed RBI’s future development plans, including (1) annual cultural exhibitions and art festivals in Tianjin, (2) student exchanges and educational cooperation between UB and TFSU, (3) promotion of MSMEs and creative products of Malang City in the international market, and (4) development of culture-based industries involving local communities and artists.
“Hopefully, this cooperation will not only stop at this meeting but develop into a real, sustainable collaboration,” Hamamah concluded.
Through this collaboration, Malang City is expected to become a center for the broader introduction of Indonesian culture while strengthening its position as an active city in global cultural diplomacy. [dts/PR FCS]