Supporting Local Arts and Cultural Heritage

Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (UNISSULA) actively contributes to local arts and cultural heritage through public performances organised by university student groups and cultural communities.

Throughout 2025, UNISSULA supported a range of artistic performances presented during university ceremonies, cultural events, public activities, student programmes, and external community events.

These performances include choir, traditional dance, wayang, rebana, Islamic performing arts, and other student cultural performances.

University Choir

The UNISSULA choir contributes to major university events, including graduation ceremonies and other formal academic occasions.

Through these performances, students develop musical skills while enriching important university ceremonies with artistic and cultural expression.

Choir performances also provide opportunities for university arts groups to present their work before large audiences consisting of graduates, families, invited guests, academics, and members of the wider community.

Traditional Dance Performances

Traditional dance forms an important part of UNISSULA’s cultural activities.

Student performers present Indonesian traditional dances during university events, guest receptions, institutional ceremonies, cultural programmes, and other public-facing activities.

These performances help introduce and preserve Indonesian cultural traditions while providing students with opportunities to develop and showcase their artistic abilities.

Wayang and Traditional Performing Arts

UNISSULA also supports traditional performing arts such as wayang.

Wayang represents an important element of Indonesian cultural heritage and combines storytelling, performance, traditional values, and artistic expression.

By presenting wayang in university activities, UNISSULA contributes to the continued visibility and appreciation of traditional Indonesian performing arts.

Rebana and Islamic Performing Arts

Islamic artistic traditions are also represented through rebana performances and related cultural activities.

Rebana combines music, rhythm, religious expression, and community participation, making it an important form of Islamic cultural performance.

These performances reflect UNISSULA’s identity as an Islamic university while also preserving and promoting forms of local religious and cultural expression.

Public and External Performances

UNISSULA student arts groups also participate in performances beyond internal university activities.

Participation in public and external events enables student performers to engage with wider audiences and strengthens the university’s contribution to local arts and cultural life.

These activities help connect university-based artistic development with the broader community.

Student-Led Arts and Cultural Activities

Student organisations and cultural groups play an important role in sustaining arts and heritage activities at UNISSULA.

These groups provide opportunities for students to:

• develop artistic skills;
• participate in rehearsals and performances;
• preserve traditional arts;
• collaborate with other performers;
• participate in cultural events; and
• represent the university in public activities.

Student-led activities therefore contribute both to individual development and to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

Arts within University Ceremonies

Performing arts are integrated into major university occasions.

Graduations, institutional celebrations, student activities, cultural programmes, and formal university events provide regular opportunities for artistic performances.

These events allow traditional and contemporary artistic expression to become part of university life rather than being limited to isolated arts programmes.

Contribution to Local Cultural Life

UNISSULA’s artistic activities contribute to local cultural life by maintaining opportunities for public performance and by supporting student groups involved in music, dance, traditional arts, and Islamic cultural expression.

The university provides a platform where students can develop artistic skills while sharing cultural traditions with wider audiences.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Traditional dance, wayang, rebana, and other cultural performances help maintain forms of intangible cultural heritage.

Through continued practice and public presentation, these art forms remain visible to younger generations and wider communities.

UNISSULA therefore contributes not only to artistic performance but also to the continued transmission of Indonesian cultural traditions.

Continuous Arts Activities

UNISSULA supports arts and cultural performances throughout the academic year.

The university’s approach combines:

Student arts groups → Regular university events → Public performances → Cultural preservation → Community engagement

This creates an environment in which arts and cultural heritage remain active components of university and community life.

Evidence of Implementation

UNISSULA’s contribution to local arts and cultural heritage is demonstrated through:

1. University choir performances at major academic and public-facing events.
2. Traditional dance performances during university and cultural programmes.
3. Wayang performances supporting Indonesian traditional arts.
4. Rebana and Islamic cultural performances.
5. Student arts groups participating in public and external activities.
6. Cultural performances integrated into graduation ceremonies and institutional events.
7. Public-facing performances involving university students and cultural groups.
8. Continued support for student participation in arts and heritage activities.
9. Promotion of traditional Indonesian and Islamic cultural expression.
10. Regular artistic activities throughout the academic year.