In the spirit of Globalizing UB, Universitas Brawijaya (UB) once again presents cultural innovation by involving international students from various countries in a wayang performance entitled “Brawijayan Character” at the Brawijayan Tosan Aji, International Contemporary Keris Fest 2025 event. This event was held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Samanta Krida Building, Universitas Brawijaya, as part of the implementation of Rector Regulation No. 108 of 2023 concerning Brawijayan Character.
The wayang performance featured the character of “Pangeran Sutasoma”, which was performed collaboratively by international students, students of Brawijaya Smart School (BSS), and young artists from the Gumelaring Sasangka Aji (GSA) Art Studio. The international students involved include: Đàng Nguyễn Trúc Linh (Vietnam), Bai Yiting (China), Nigora Muminova (Uzbekistan), Zang Ziqi (China), Ahmed El Sayed (Egypt), and Yeriel (Madagascar).
Meanwhile, from BSS performing: Sibrana Kaizan Prabu, Vendra Adelio Kenzie, Nasheerra Anindya Shabikha, Lintang Tawang Ayu, Bramantyo Aji Miarso, Aditya Khalish Ardi, Elgaza Zervinda Maylinggar Queen, Aurora Queenna Rahman, and Laisya Citu Permana. Meanwhile, from the GSA Art Studio participating: Kavaya Sidhi Adrista, Arga Laras S., Alvian Maulana, Qolbu Yudho Baskoro, Daniswara A. Eka H., Theresia Cahaya Maria, Hidayat Ibnu Adi, and Muhammad Septian Ramadhani.
Vice Rector IV of Universitas Brawijaya, Prof. Andi Kurniawan, S.Pi., M.Eng., D.Sc., explained that the story of Prince Sutasoma contains noble values that are in line with the Brawijaya Character. “Sutasoma is a symbol of exemplary behavior. He left the luxury of the palace in order to pursue spiritual practice and uphold the principles of humanity. This story is very relevant in building the character of UB students who are compassionate, tolerant, and have the fighting spirit in goodness,” he said.
The story of Prince Sutasoma tells the journey of the son of Prabu Mahaketu from the Hastina Kingdom, who chose to meditate on Mount Semeru to find his identity. On his journey, he faced various trials, including saving a starving tiger and opposing King Purusadha, a man-eater. This story illustrates the spirit of sacrifice and unity for a more noble and peaceful future for humanity.
Director of PT Brawijaya Multikreasi Utama (BMU) and event organizer, Dr. Edi Purwanto, S.T.P., M.M., also shared his views on this cultural collaboration. “Brawijayan Tosan Aji is not only an art event, but also a strategic platform to elevate local cultural heritage to the international stage. We at BMU fully support this creative and educational process as part of a culture-based creative economy, while also opening up space for interaction between locality and globality.”
The Rector of Universitas Brawijaya, Prof. Widodo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Med.Sc., in his remarks said, “This performance is a real form of UB’s cultural diplomacy to the global level. We want the world to know the noble values of the Archipelago, especially East Java, through a creative medium that involves the young generation across nations. This is UB’s effort in building a character-based civilization.”
The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Fadli Zon, S.S., M.Sc., who also attended the event, also expressed his appreciation. “I am proud that Universitas Brawijaya not only makes culture as a symbol, but truly brings it to life through real works. Inviting international students to play wayang is a form of preservation and internationalization of culture that is very progressive,” said Dr. Fadli Zon.
The Brawijaya Character Performance is an important momentum in bringing together tradition, education, and international collaboration. UB hopes that this step can continue to strengthen the nation’s identity amidst the flow of globalization, as well as being an example of authentic and relevant character education practices. (Aziz/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
