UIN Salatiga Wins International Dance Award, Showcasing Indonesian Culture

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's cultural heritage gained international recognition after the dance community of State Islamic University (UIN) Salatiga's Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty (FTIK) won the World Unique Award at the 8th International PEARL UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) Festival 2026 in Thailand.

The award highlights the potential of Indonesian traditional arts, presented with contemporary Islamic elements, to introduce the country’s cultural identity to international audiences.

“Alhamdulillah, the students did not just dance; they told the story of Indonesia," dance community mentor Dewi Wulandari said on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as quoted on the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs.

"We presented a performance highlighting the richness of the Nusantara’s traditions with a contemporary Islamic touch. The World Unique Award proves that Indonesian culture has a uniqueness that no other nation possesses,” she added.

The festival took place from September 27 to October 3, 2026, in Bangkok and Pattaya, bringing together 10 folk art groups from seven countries across three continents: Indonesia, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Türkiye, Poland and Sri Lanka. Indonesia sent three delegations, including the UIN Salatiga's Dance Community.

During the event, the group performed on the main stage at Terminal 21 Pattaya and competed at Wat Mai Hat Krathing Thong Temple in Jomtien Beach.

The World Unique Award is a special recognition given by the international jury to performances considered distinctive, authentic and strongly characterized by their ethnic identity.

Dean Rasimin said the achievement reflected the university’s efforts to develop students’ talents and character. He said students were encouraged to develop not only academic and pedagogical abilities but also creativity in arts and culture.

“At FTIK, we deliberately encourage students to develop artistic and cultural soft skills as part of the competencies of future educators who are creative, moderate and globally minded. This World Unique Award is the most beautiful gift for FTIK,” Rasimin said.

Rector Zakiyuddin Baidhawy described the students’ participation as an act of cultural diplomacy and an opportunity to introduce Indonesian identity and Islamic values to an international audience.

“This is not merely a dance festival, it is cultural outreach and cultural diplomacy. Their participation in the UNESCO GNLC forum demonstrates UIN Salatiga’s commitment as a moderate university to bringing Islamic, Indonesian and humanitarian values to the international stage through art,” he said.

The award therefore recognizes not only the students’ artistic performance but also the role of universities in promoting Indonesia’s cultural diversity, Islamic values and educational creativity through international exchange. ***