en.malanginspirasi.com – Universitas Brawijaya (UB) inaugurated the Indonesian Cultural House or Rumah Budaya Indonesia (RBI) at Guangxi Normal University (GXNU) in Guilin, China, with a new theme highlighting the Panji Story on Saturday (5/23/2026).
The inauguration was part of the Indonesian Cultural Festival organized by GXNU and UB to mark a new chapter in cooperation between the two institutions in education, culture, research, and international diplomacy.
Its ceremony began with opening remarks from GXNU Vice Rector Prof. Li Xianxian and UB Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Vice Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Yusri Fajar, S.S., M.A., who attended on behalf of the UB Rector. Following the remarks, the two leaders symbolically unveiled the RBI plaque, marking the official establishment of the Indonesian cultural center within the GXNU campus.
The inauguration was not merely an academic ceremony but a concrete symbol of the close relationship that has been built between UB and GXNU over the past few years. The RBI is expected to serve as a space where students, faculty, and the international community can come together to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the UB Rector, it was noted that the RBI serves as a tangible symbol of the growing cooperation between the two universities.
In addition to serving as a vehicle for cultural promotion, the RBI is also expected to act as a bridge for cultural diplomacy, strengthening cross-border understanding and expanding academic and research collaboration in the future.
Quoting the Chinese philosopher and writer Lu Xun, the UB Rector emphasized that the path to cooperation does not emerge on its own, but is built through consistent joint efforts. It is this spirit that forms the foundation of the relationship between UB and GXNU, which continues to grow to this day.
In his remarks, Prof. Li Xianxian stated that GXNU has long been committed to open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial international education. He noted that the RBI represents a significant milestone in deepening the strategic cooperation between GXNU and UB.
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“The RBI is not merely a physical space showcasing Indonesian language, art, customs, and traditions, but also serves as a bridge connecting the hearts and emotions of the younger generations of both nations. Moving forward, the RBI will become a hub for various cultural activities, ranging from an Indonesian language corner, cultural salons, art exhibitions, to experiences of traditional Indonesian cuisine,” she explained.
“Friendly relations between nations depend on the closeness of their peoples, and that closeness stems from mutual understanding. Culture flourishes through exchange, and civilization is enriched through shared learning,” said Prof. Li Xianxian.
This statement reflects the importance of cultural diplomacy in building stronger international relations. Amid increasingly dynamic global developments, cultural exchange has become one of the most effective tools for strengthening cross-border community ties.
The inauguration of the RBI was part of an event titled “The Secret Paradise,” an Indonesian cultural festival organized by GXNU and UB. Following the plaque-unveiling ceremony, the event continued with various artistic and cultural performances showcasing the rich traditions of the Indonesian archipelago.
Indonesian students studying at GXNU were the main driving force behind these cultural performances. They presented traditional dances, music, the martial art of pencak silat, and vocal performances, all of which received a warm reception from international students and the local community.
The event’s uniqueness was further enhanced by the participation not only of Indonesian students but also of students from various countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and China, who took part in several cultural performances. This cross-cultural interaction fostered an inclusive atmosphere and demonstrated how culture can serve as a universal medium of communication.
A cultural and culinary bazaar that introduced various distinctive Indonesian products to the international community also enlivened the event venue.
Visitors could get to know Indonesia not only through the performing arts but also through its flavors, crafts, and the daily traditions of its people.
In the evening, the festival continued with an artistic performance featuring a play themed on the “Kisah Panji,” one of Nusantara’s cultural heritages widely recognized internationally.
This performance became the highlight of the event while showcasing the richness of Indonesia’s cultural narratives, which are steeped in historical and humanitarian values.
In addition to the cultural festival, the event also featured the “Forum on AI Empowers Multiculturalism and Smart Education,” an international seminar featuring academics from UB and GXNU.
The forum discussed the transformation of education in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), including the use of AI in learning processes, scientific research, and the creation of literary and artistic works.
This discussion becomes an important platform for bringing together academic perspectives from both countries in response to rapidly advancing technological developments.
UB’s participation in the forum demonstrates that the international cooperation established is not only focused on cultural aspects but also on the development of science and technology relevant to future needs.
The Vice Dean for Academic Affairs FCS UB, Dr. Yusri Fajar, noted that the inauguration of the RBI is a very important moment in strengthening relations between Indonesia and China through the channels of education and culture.
“The inauguration of the Rumah Budaya Indonesia as an implementation of the cooperation between Universitas Brawijaya and Guangxi Normal University took place in a friendly and festive atmosphere. The academic communities from both universities mingled and enjoyed the entire series of cultural activities presented,” he said.
The Expectation of RBI Existence
According to Yusri, the series of activities held from morning until night demonstrated that culture has great power to strengthen ties among communities and nations.
He hopes that the RBI can serve as a sustainable instrument of cultural diplomacy while opening up opportunities for cooperation in various fields in the future.
Furthermore, the existence of the RBI aligns with the “Globalizing UB” vision, which aims to expand UB’s role in international networks through collaboration in education, research, and culture.
In the UB Rector’s remarks, it was noted that the success of this initiative is inseparable from the contributions of the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) UB, which has consistently developed various culture-based international programs.
Through the RBI at GXNU, UB not only provides a space for cultural promotion but also builds a foundation for broader cooperation between Indonesia and China.
Moving forward, the RBI is expected to become a hub for cultural, academic, and research activities capable of strengthening cross-cultural understanding while expanding Indonesia’s contribution to the global education landscape.
