Jakarta, June 5, 2025 — The Faculty of Communication at Tarumanagara University (Fikom Untar) successfully hosted Arunika Fest 2025, a vibrant celebration of culture and communication held as part of Communication Week 2025. Taking place at Gandaria City Mall, Jakarta, the festival embraced the theme “Navigating the Diversity of the Archipelago”, serving as a cross-cultural encounter that highlighted collaboration, creativity, and the preservation of Indonesian heritage.
Hundreds of visitors filled the festival area, which featured a wide array of cultural attractions—from traditional dance competitions and folk games to regional dance performances and a Nusantara culinary showcase. The event was designed to be modern and interactive, appealing to younger generations without losing the essence of Indonesia’s cultural values.
More than just entertainment, Arunika Fest served as a cultural expression space grounded in Fikom Untar’s core values of HEPI (Humanism, Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, and Integrity). With synergy between academia, arts communities, and government, the event demonstrated a firm commitment to national cultural preservation.
Arunika Fest 2025 received strong support from various strategic partners, including Sanggar Ayodya Pala, the Jakarta Provincial Culture Office, the South Jakarta Sub-Department of Culture, and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. A highlight of the event was the opening speech delivered by H. Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, S.I.Kom., Deputy Minister of Culture.
“Long before the Ministry of Culture was established, Tarumanagara University had already championed cultural advancement. This year, students from Tarumanagara have taken part in cultural development through this event. As Deputy Minister of Culture, I offer my deepest respect to these students for their love and dedication to Indonesia’s cultural heritage,” said Giring.
He further emphasized, “Indonesia is a country of mega cultural diversity. Our strength lies in our extraordinary culture. The students of Fikom Untar have proven themselves as agents of cultural advancement through the annual Communication Week, this year themed Arunika: Navigating the Diversity of the Archipelago.”
Giring also praised the students for showcasing how cultural celebrations can drive economic development. He encouraged all young people to continue loving and preserving Indonesian culture and expressed hope that such culturally rich events will continue in the years to come.
The event was a direct outcome of the Communication Program Implementation course, a flagship initiative of Fikom Untar. Dean of Fikom Untar, Dr. Riris Loisa, M.Si., stated that Communication Week and Arunika Fest exemplify practice-based learning and students’ contributions to the university’s Tri Dharma of higher education.
“CommWeek with the theme Arunika reflects our students’ understanding of communication program implementation while demonstrating their concern for cultural preservation. Through Arunika, students invite us to explore Indonesian culture—from traditional dances and folk games to a bazaar featuring local culinary delights and crafts produced by MSMEs. Arunika is not only a cultural celebration but also a tangible contribution to achieving the SDGs, particularly in quality education and inclusive, sustainable economic growth,” said Riris.
Gabriella Gudjaya, Chair of the Arunika Fest 2025 committee, shared her thoughts on the event:
“Arunika Fest isn’t just a one-day event—it’s the result of nearly five months of hard work, collaboration, and creative input from every committee member. We hope the cultural spirit we’re celebrating today doesn’t stop here, but continues to live on in our everyday lives as young Indonesians.”
With overwhelming public enthusiasm and cross-sectoral support, Arunika Fest 2025 reinforced the strategic role of educational institutions in preserving cultural identity amid globalization. The festival served as a vital platform for young people to actively and creatively explore, cherish, and celebrate the rich diversity of Indonesian culture. (WF/Arunika)