Celebrating 81st Anniversary, UII Hosts Performing Arts Festival
SLEMAN—In celebration of Universitas Islam Indonesia’s (UII) 81st anniversary and as a symbol of collaborative spirit and dedication to strengthening education and cultural arts, UII held the “2024 Performing Arts Festival” at the Prof. K.H. Abdul Kahar Muzakkir Auditorium on Thursday, July 11, 2024.
The arts festival featured performances by teams from the UII Waqf Foundation, UII Rectorate, and eight UI faculties. The event also included a performance from the Hadrah group of the UII Women’s Union (IKI UII), Remember Entertainment, and special performances by two jury members, namely cultural figure Timur Sinar Suprabana and poet, writer, actor Sosiawan Leak.
The 2024 Performing Arts Festival served as a platform for UII’s academic community to express and hone their talents, interests, and creativity in performing arts. The festival also aimed to foster collaboration and togetherness. Ten teams prepared a variety of performances, including music, theater, opera, dance, comedy, and a colossal poetry reading to entertain and provide a memorable experience for the audience.
UII’s Vice Rector for Academic and Research Development, Prof. Jaka Nugraha, S.Si., M.Si., welcomed the event, noting research from a 2022 report by The Guardianthat showed that the arts can reduce anxiety by 72%, decrease depression levels by 73%, enhance well-being by 76%, and improve social connections by 69%.
“We recognize that those of us in academia are at risk of experiencing high levels of stress and depression. Surveys have shown that many lecturers and students have faced increased stress and depression, especially post-COVID-19. Therefore, we encourage our academic community to take a break from academic activities or seek time for ‘healing,’” said Prof. Jaka Nugraha.
The participants from each unit—whether foundation, rectorate, or faculty—comprised a mix of students, staff, and faculty members. This arrangement was designed to foster a strong sense of togetherness and synergy within UII’s academic community.
The Festival Chair as well as the Director Human Resources UII, Ike Agustina, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog., expressed her hopes that the event would provide a space for UII’s students, lecturers, and staff to express their creativity and collaborate through the arts.
“This event is more than just entertainment. It reflects the spirit of togetherness and creativity within our work environment. Through this festival, we hope every individual at UII can showcase their talents and potential, cultivate character through arts and culture, and strengthen bonds among staff and teamwork skills,” she said.
“May this event inspire continued innovation and creativity in both work and daily life,” added Ike Agustina.
During the festival, ten teams gave their best performances, full of vibrancy and color, which the audience thoroughly enjoyed.
The venue was made especially comfortable, with various traditional snacks served in angkringan style. At the end of the event, three top teams were announced based on the jury’s evaluations. The Faculty of Law won first place, the Faculty of Industrial Engineering took second place, while the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning (FTSP) placed third.
