UNDIP, Semarang (October 6, 2025) – The 60th Anniversary of the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Diponegoro (FIB UNDIP), was celebrated with the event “Cultural Oration and Indonesia’s Largest Retrospective Painting Exhibition on Campus 2025” on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at UNDIP’s Art Center Building A. Dr. Lestari Moerdijat, S.S., M.M., Vice Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) for the 2019–2024 and 2024–2029 terms, who is also an archaeologist, attended as the keynote speaker. Also present were the Chair of UNDIP’s Academic Senate, Prof. Ir. Edy Rianto, M.Sc., Ph.D., I.P.U.; Dean of FIB UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum.; Secretary of UNDIP’s Board of Trustees (MWA), Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Indarjo, M.Phil.; Jepara-based painter Arrie Djatmiko; and art curator Kuss Indarto.
The opening of the Retrospective Painting Exhibition was inaugurated by the UNDIP Rector, together with the Vice Chairman of MPR RI, the Dean of FIB UNDIP, the Secretary of MWA UNDIP, and painter Arrie Djatmiko, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Traditional dance performances, including Tari Saman, Tari Gambang Semarang, Tari Kuntulan, and Tari Wanodya Tangkas, enlivened the event.
The retrospective exhibition showcased the works of Arrie Djatmiko, the only artist to have painted the portrait of Ratu Kalinyamat, a female hero from Jepara who was honored as a National Hero in 2023. UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. expressed his admiration upon viewing the dozens of realist paintings adorning the UNDIP Art Center. While touring the exhibition, hailed as the largest campus-based art exhibition in Indonesia in 2025, he reflected on the historical narratives captured on canvas. “Arrie Djatmiko’s works are truly extraordinary. It is remarkable to witness firsthand the painting of Ratu Kalinyamat, a resilient woman who was bestowed the title of Anti-Colonialism Hero,” he said.
In his official opening remarks, Prof. Suharnomo stated, “Culture is the driving force of a nation’s civilization. By upholding Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, the Faculty of Humanities distinguishes itself amid global trends. Welcome, everyone—today FIB UNDIP presents cultural experts and enthusiasts. Through culture, life becomes more beautiful.”
Dean of FIB UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum., explained that the event was an appreciation of creative expression and cultural artistry. “This exhibition by Arrie Djatmiko is not just an ordinary collection of paintings. The framing alone falls within the classic category in Indonesia, meeting European standards,” he remarked.
Prof. Alamsyah further emphasized that the purpose of this event was to shape character and civilization through culture, in line with the tagline ‘Noble and Valuable UNDIP.’ “This is a collaboration between a cultural campus and various stakeholders to protect Indonesia’s cultural heritage,” he concluded.
Vice Chairman of MPR RI Dr. Lestari Moerdijat delivered a cultural oration titled “Culture as the Identity and Unifier of the Nation.” She referred to Article 32 of the 1945 Constitution on National Culture, Article 18B Paragraph (2) on State Recognition of Indigenous Communities, and Law No. 5 of 2017 on Cultural Advancement.
“All are united in Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). The question is, can we ensure that culture continues to flourish in an age dominated by technology and popularity? Culture is a social adhesive—one that thrives through tolerance, solidarity, and the preservation of local traditions. The philosophy of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika embodies the crystallization of cultural dialectics,” she stated.
Dr. Lestari Moerdijat expressed her appreciation for FIB UNDIP’s active role in cultural reconstruction, strengthening its roots and optimizing the Art Center as a ‘cultural space.’ She concluded her address by saying, “Cultural preservation goes beyond the word ‘preserve’—it comes from the soul. Culture is not a tombstone, but the living breath and collective memory of a nation.”
When interviewed by national media, artist Arrie Djatmiko shared the stories behind his paintings, revealing that each theme was an expression of his emotions. For him, painting is a part of his soul.
In alignment with the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and UNDIP’s ‘Diktisaintek Berdampak’ program, as well as supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), UNDIP provides open access to the public to explore national culture through the retrospective painting exhibition. Dozens of works by Arrie Djatmiko are on display from October 6–10, 2025, at the Art Center Building A, UNDIP, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., open to the public. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Titis)