To increase arts and culture activities within Universitas Trisakti, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Universitas Trisakti (USAKTI) and the National Arts and Culture Committee (KSBN) no. 100/KS.00.08/USAKTI/R/XI/2022 on November 24, 2022. As one of the implementations of this collaboration, KSBN and USAKTI organized a full-day event, World Dance Day, on May 6, 2023.

World Dance Day with the theme “Friendship with Respect and Excellent” was held to commemorate World Dance Day. This activity is one form of participation of KSBN and USAKTI in preserving Indonesian culture. The participants of this event are 90 teams from all regions and seven countries, including Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Thailand, India, China, and the United States. This activity invites artists, especially dance artists at the national and international level, to work together to preserve local and global dance and performing arts.

USAKTI sent 38 students fluent in English as LO (Liaison officers) assigned to accompany the International and local Dance Teams. Apart from that, three dance groups from USAKTI participated as participants in World Dance Day. The three dance groups are:

Genjring Party Dance (Faculty of Arts and Design)

The Beauty of the Archipelago (Faculty of Earth Technology and Energy)

Pasembahan Piring Malamang (Faculty of Dentistry)

World Dance Day started with a parade by the General Chairman of the KSBN Committee, the President of IFOT (International Festival of Tales) from the United States, and dance participants around the Kota Tua area. After touring, the event continued on the Fatahillah Park and Lada Plaza Stage. The performances included the Batik Gobang Dance, Barongsai Attraction, Gambang Kromo, and the Palace Dance from the Duchy of Paku Alam Yogyakarta. There were also several dances from other countries, such as Wanquan River (China), Niru Dance (Brunei Darussalam), Joget Cinta Sayang Zapin Adik Abang Mek Mulung Mak Yong Madley Inai Dance (Malaysia), and Nuo Qi (China).

General Chairman of the National Arts and Culture Committee, Major General (Ret.) Hendardji Soepandji said the World Dance Day highlighted traditional values that grow and develop in the archipelago and friendly countries. He hopes that apart from enjoying the attractions, the participants can also interact with movements and songs and build friendships among children of the nation and between countries.

Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, welcomed World Dance Day activities positively. He expressed his appreciation to KSBN for its dedication to continuing to love Indonesian art and culture. He also hopes that Indonesia can become the epicenter of world dance in the future so that Indonesian art can be famous worldwide.

Source: Public Relations Unit & KUIKK USAKTI