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| One of the ISS Participants Painting a Plain Malangan Mask. (Photo: Yafi PR) |
Introducing Indonesian cultures and heritages, the University of Muhammadiyah Malang conducted a traditional competition in the International Student Summit (ISS) 2022. Aside from that, a Malangan mask painting activity and a traditional clothes fashion show also became a part of the contest. On the second day of ISS, around 186 international students from 46 countries participated in the series of activities with full enthusiasm. Several spots in UMM became the location of the actions on 29th November 2022, like the helipad and the hall of the Bureau of General Administration Affairs (Translated: BAU UMM).
The Head of the Committee of ISS 2022, Dr Ir. Listiari Hendraningsih, M. P., explained that the traditional competitions of the program are a means for them to recognise Indonesian culture excitingly. The international students did several activities such as clogs, rangku alu, marbles relay, and minefield games. The committee also set up several booths providing exciting mini-games for international students who did not participate in the activities.
"We also provide various mini activities in the available booths, such as how to batik; play engklek, gamelan; learn traditional dances, etc., so the ISS participants who are not involved in the competitions can try new things. Besides, we also want to introduce several institutions of UMM at the same time like Chinese Corner, American Corner, and Cultural Affair Institution as well," the Animal Husbandry lecturer uttered.
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Listiari, for her familiar nickname, explained that the committee introduced a Malangan mask to the participants in the event besides various Indonesian cultures through available competitions. Firstly, the participants would be equipped with common knowledge about the philosophical values of a Malangan mask. Next, they were allowed to paint the mask based on their handwork.
"The masks they have painted can be a souvenir for them. Hopefully, the participants can have fun and learn about Indonesian culture at once.", the Director of the International Relations Office of UMM expressed.
On the other hand, one of the participants, Isyaka Ramo, expressed his exciting experience of participating on the second day of ISS, especially when he participated in the fascinating traditional games. Isyaka even involved himself in three of them: marbles relay, clogs, and engklek.
"Engklek is interesting because my home country also has a similar game. It reminds me of my childhood memories. So are the marbles relay, because it encourages me to collaborate with each team member. I can feel grateful for engaging in ISS, gaining new friends, and learning diverse Indonesian cultures deeply.", he added.
In line with Isyaka, Sima, an Iranian student, appreciated the event of ISS because she perceived that it improved her insight into Indonesian culture. For example, she learnt from the philosophical values of Malangan masks. She understands them more after getting an explanation and trying to paint the plain mask by herself. Sima concluded, "This activity (mask painting) is exciting. I received a lot of cultural knowledge today." (imh/syi/wil)
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