Yogyakarta, January 30, 2026 – The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Yogyakarta State University (UNY) witnessed a warm and meaningful cultural gathering. Students from PNU (Philippine Normal University) collaborated with students from the UNY Civic Education Study Program to play gamelan in the FISIP UNY gamelan room. This activity was attended by seven PNU students, PNU lecturers, and UNY civic education students. They collaborated to play gamelan, a traditional Javanese art, as a symbol of cross-border friendship. The activity was guided by Dr. Fungki Febriantoni, M.Pd. PNU and UNY students learned together through a cultural experience that enriched their cross-national perspectives. This meeting served as a form of holistic education integrating art, tradition, and the value of togetherness.

The harmonious sounds of gamelan played together create an intimate and communal atmosphere. PNU students who came as guests felt enthusiastic and honored to learn and play traditional Javanese instruments together with UNY students. This collaboration was not only an art performance, but also a symbol of cross-border friendship. Traditional art is positioned as a means of cultural diplomacy, expanding the function of gamelan from mere entertainment to an instrument for strengthening international relations. This activity supports the development of a creative industry based on local culture. By introducing gamelan to PNU students, the potential of gamelan as a global cultural product is increasingly open, supporting the sustainability of the traditional arts industry. This meeting shows that innovation does not always take the form of modern technology, but also new ways of connecting people through culture.

The presence of PNU and UNY lecturers added to the students' enthusiasm to give their best. The lecturers emphasized that activities such as this are important for strengthening academic relations and broadening cultural horizons. It is hoped that this activity will be the beginning of broader cooperation between PNU and UNY, both in the academic and cultural fields. With the spirit of “weaving culture, strengthening relations,” the two universities are committed to continuing to strengthen their relationship through collaborative activities in the future.