On Wednesday (4/9), as part of the Overseas Education and Learning Programme (OELP), students from Nanyang Polytechnic Singapore (NYP), Singapore, studied Indonesian culture comprising gamelan and batik at UNY. Before this, the NYP students also visited the Candi Prambanan temple. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

According to lecturer Nila Kurnia Sari, M.Pd of the Faculty of Language, Arts & Culture (FBSB) at UNY, the NYP students’ activity of learning gamelan and dance was to gain a strong understanding about gamelan music theory, notation, and playing techniques. “By practicing to play various gamelan instruments, they will discover the cultural meaning of gamelan music in Javanese society,” she said. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

Working together with fellow participants to create a harmonious and rhythmic ensemble, and making use of the skilled gamelan-players who will provide personal instruction and feedback. The students not only learned to play gamelan but also gained deeper understanding of Javanese culture, promoted peace and non-violence, and appreciated Indonesia’s cultural diversity. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

Meanwhile, in dance learning, Nila Kurnia Sari explained that by studying Javanese dance, students will gain deeper understanding of how a traditional art form, rooted in cultural heritage and aesthetic values, can offer a powerful channel for promoting sustainable practices and ecological awareness. “Through dance, the students will explore themes of harmony, balance, and respect for nature, learning how these principles can be embodied in artistic expression,” she said. In addition to studying choreography, the NYP students also had the opportunity to practise wearing traditional Javanese dance costumes. These costumes are often made from natural materials and reflect the cultural heritage of the region. By wearing these costumes, the students gained deeper appreciation of the beauty and symbolism of Javanese dance. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

In the Faculty of Engineering at UNY, the NYP students delved into the world of natural dyeing and studied how to utilise it to produce beautiful and environmentally-friendly batik works. According to lecturer Achmad Arifin, Ph.D, the workshop began with a seminar themed “Sustainability in Batik Painting”. During the seminar, students learned about the environmental impact of traditional batik dyeing methods and the importance of using natural dyes. “Students will also gain insight into current research and innovation in sustainable batik production,” he explained. After the seminar, students had the opportunity to unleash their creativity and practise batik painting techniques. Under the guidance of experienced craftsmen, the students learned how to apply wax to fabric and create intricate patterns using various dyeing techniques. They also explored the use of natural dyes and studied the benefits for the environment. The unique batik creations could be taken home as traditional Indonesian souvenirs.