Depok-Fairuz Zahira Muslim, a student of the Public Relations study program, Vocational Education Program, Universitas Indonesia (UI), together with the UKM Liga Tari Krida Budaya Mahasiswa UI, demonstrated her dance talent in the neighboring country, Brunei Darussalam. The prestigious event “The 19th ASEAN+3 Youth Cultural” held by the ASEAN University Network (AUN) 2024 on June 23-28, 2024 was attended by participants from various countries, starting from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, to Brunei Darussalam as the host country this year. Each university from the ten countries sent 2-4 delegates to showcase their respective countries’ cultures.
Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, Director of UI Vocational Education Program, appreciated the participation of Liga Tari UI students to perform in the neighboring country. According to him, the event makes students the young generation who promote their country’s culture, and provides a platform for them to network globally. Padang said, “The participation of Fairuz and other students in this event will inspire other young generations to participate in cultural exchange programs. I also hope that there will be collaboration between countries through art and culture between students or universities participating in the ASEAN+3 cultural exchange forum.”
(Photo: Fairuz with other Liga Tari UI contingents in Brunei Darussalam)
Indonesia, represented by the Liga Tari UI, performed the Sabalah dance, a dance from West Sumatra that tells about the life and dignity of Minang women. Apart from that, this dance also depicts gratitude when the rain falls and wets all the fields as a blessing given to humans. Fairuz said, “The Liga Tari UI performed the Minang concept this year. In addition, the Sabalah dance also has Minang and Malay characteristics which are of the same family as Brunei Darussalam.”
The cultural exchange program brought Fairuz and other students to get to know foreign cultures. Through the rhythm of the Sabalah dance, the Liga Tari UI helps promote Indonesian culture to the world community. “It is an honor and an unforgettable memory for us to be cultural ambassadors to make Indonesia’s name famous abroad,” said Fairuz.
Fairuz added that the practice process for the performance took place intensively a month before departure for the 2024 AUN event. Fairuz admitted that she can divide her time between practice and lectures. “The training process is carried out from afternoon to evening, so the training does not interfere with my main activity, which is studying. In addition, the main focus of the organization I am involved in is the UKM Liga Tari UI. So, I am not overwhelmed to divide my time on other activities,” concluded Fairuz.
