UNDIP, Semarang (July 29, 2025) – The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) hosted an international cultural night titled EPIC (Empathy in Action): A Global Festival of Psychology, Culture, and Compassion at the UNDIP Art Center on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Held under the theme “Flying with Purpose, Feeling with Empathy,” the event combined art performances, a cultural parade, a world friendship pledge, and an international photography exhibition. The event was made possible through the support of UNDIP’s World Class University (WCU) program. It was held in celebration of International Friendship Day, highlighting empathy, cultural diversity, and cross-national collaboration through a vibrant Cultural Night format.
More than 160 participants took part, including summer course students, international delegates from Kenya, Yemen, Madagascar, Pakistan, Uganda, Egypt, Timor-Leste, and other African nations, as well as representatives from five International Office partners in Semarang: UNIMUS, UNISSULA, UNNES, UNWAHAS, and UIN Walisongo. Also in attendance were international professors invited through the WCU Visiting Professor Program, the Psychology Faculty staff of UNDIP, and deans from across Universitas Diponegoro.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Ir. Hadiyanto, S.T., M.Sc., IPU, Director of Reputation, Partnerships, and Global Connectivity at UNDIP. In his opening remarks, he said, “Tonight is a testament to global collaboration hosted by the UNDIP’s Faculty of Psychology. Beyond showcasing cultural performances, activities like the World Friendship Pledge promote empathy, inclusion, and a shared commitment to understanding across differences. This event aligns perfectly with UNDIP’s recent achievement of being ranked 624 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.”
The evening began with a Parade of Cultures, where delegates proudly carried their national flags while wearing traditional attire. The performances included the Bambangan Cakil and Kinang Kilaras dances, a medley of regional songs performed by the dean and lecturers of the Faculty of Psychology, a cross-country vocal duet, and a cultural fashion walk titled Walk of Heritage. Prof. Dian Ratna Sawitri, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, stated that the event was an initiative to foster intercultural dialogue grounded in humanistic psychological values.
A key highlight of the evening was the International Photography Competition Exhibition themed “Friendship and Humanity Without Borders.” The displayed works lined the corridors of the Art Center and featured submissions from students in Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, Bangladesh, Yemen, South Korea, the Philippines, and The Gambia.
The event was organized by a dedicated team of students and faculty from UNDIP’s Faculty of Psychology. International students were also directly involved in the preparations and rehearsals, ensuring the event was not just presented for the global community, but created by it.
To close the evening, all participants joined together in reciting the Pledge of International Friendship, symbolizing a shared commitment to peace, empathy, and global solidarity. The night concluded with a Grand Awarding Ceremony, announcing the top three winners of the photography competition and recognizing the best performances from the Cultural Night. EPIC is expected to become a flagship annual event, strengthening UNDIP’s international presence and cultural engagement. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ Faculty of Psychology)