Brawijaya University Strengthens Ties with China Through New Cultural Center

RRI.CO.ID, Malang - A new milestone in Indonesia-China relations was marked on Saturday, May 23, 2026, when Brawijaya University (UB) inaugurated Indonesian Cultural House, also known as Rumah Budaya Indonesia (RBI), at Guangxi Normal University (GXNU) in Guilin, China.

The launch, part of the Indonesian Cultural Festival “The Secret Paradise”, symbolizes a fresh chapter of cooperation in education, culture, research, and diplomacy.

The ceremony began with remarks from GXNU Deputy Rector Li Xianxian and UB’s Faculty of Cultural Studies Deputy Dean of Academic Affairs Yusri Fajar, representing UB’s Rector.

Both leaders then unveiled the RBI plaque, officially establishing the Indonesian cultural hub within GXNU. Yusri described RBI as a living symbol of collaboration between the two universities.

“This achievement is more than just a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to international academic cooperation in the fields of humanities, cultural studies, tourism, and the advancement of science and technology,” he said, as quoted on the university's official website on Friday, June 5, 2026.

He emphasized that the inauguration reflected the spirit of friendship and inclusivity. “The inauguration took place in an atmosphere of friendship and festivity. The academic communities of both universities mingled and enjoyed the entire series of cultural activities presented,” Yusri added.

Quoting Chinese philosopher Lu Xun, UB’s Rector highlighted the importance of consistency in building partnerships.

“The path of cooperation does not emerge on its own but is built through steps taken together consistently. That spirit has become the foundation of the relationship between UB and GXNU, which continues to grow to this day,” he affirmed.

Li underscored GXNU’s commitment to an open and inclusive international education. “RBI is not merely a physical space showcasing Indonesia’s language, arts, customs, and traditions, but also a bridge that connects the hearts and emotions of the younger generations of both countries,” he explained.

He further outlined RBI’s role as a hub for cultural exchange covering diverse cultural activities, ranging from Indonesian language corners and cultural salons to art exhibitions and traditional culinary experiences.

Li also stressed the broader significance of cultural diplomacy, noting that friendship between nations depends on the closeness of their people, and that such closeness is born from mutual understanding. "Culture thrives through exchange, and civilization is enriched through shared learning,” he remarked.

The festival featured traditional dance, music, pencak silat, and vocal performances led by Indonesian students at GXNU. International students from Thailand, Vietnam, and China also joined, creating an inclusive atmosphere that showcased culture as a universal language. A cultural bazaar was also held to introduce Indonesian crafts and cuisine. ***