Depok-The Media Production study program of the Vocational Education Program, Universitas Indonesia (UI), held Promed Masterclass x Cosplay Day, a collaborative celebration that combines the world of comics and costume play (cosplay) in one inspiring stage. Cosplay or costume play is an activity in which someone wears costumes, makeup, and accessories to play as fictional characters from anime, manga, video games, films, and others. The event, held on October 23, 2025 at the Vocational Auditorium, also presented two prominent figures in the international comic world, namely Ariela Kristantina and Peter van Dongen.
In a Masterclass session titled “The Art of Comics: Visual Storytelling Across Cultures,” students were invited to understand the creative process behind comic creation, from thumbnailing and inking to digital coloring. Ariela Kristantina, an Indonesian comic artist who has successfully penetrated the United States market through her works at Marvel and ComiXology, shared her experience on the importance of maintaining local characters and identities in global works.
“Working for the international market doesn’t mean losing our identity. In fact, with our unique cultural characteristics and local perspectives, our work can stand out more internationally,” Ariela said during the discussion.
(Photo: Atmosphere of the Media Production study program Masterclass activity)
Meanwhile, Peter van Dongen, a Dutch comic artist known for his series “Rampokan Jawa” and “Rampokan Celebes,” offers a strong historical and visual perspective. His work, which highlights Indonesia’s colonial past, demonstrates how the comics medium can be a means of cultural and historical reflection. Peter stated, “Comics are not just visual entertainment, but also a form of historical narrative that can bridge the past and the present.”
The event was further enlivened by Promed Cosplay Day, an annual celebration marking the anniversary of the Media Production study program. Dozens of students from various concentrations showcased iconic costumes from the world of comics, anime, games, and film. For example, Denji (a character from the anime Chainsaw Man); Osaragi (a character from the anime Sakamoto Days); Tenxi and Naykilla; Kylo Ren and Obi-Wan (characters from the Star Wars film series); and others.
(Photo: A number of students doing cosplay at Masterclass x Cosplay Day)
The Head of the Media Production Study Program, Ngurah Rangga Wiwesa, M.I.Kom., stated that this activity demonstrates the study program’s commitment to building a creative and collaborative learning ecosystem. Rangga said, “Media Production strives to produce graduates who understand cultural values and are able to compete globally. Through activities like this Masterclass, we aim to provide a hands-on learning experience from the world’s best practitioners.”
One of the students, Jasmine, expressed her pride in participating in this activity. “It feels amazing to be able to learn directly from international comic artists whose work is world-renowned. Plus, Cosplay Day is a fun opportunity for us to express the characters we love,” Jasmine said.
Through a collaboration that brings together art, media, and pop culture, this event reflects the spirit of UI Vocational in developing creative individuals who are superior, impactful, and globally competitive.
