Ciputra University and UTM Collaborate to Create a Mural Themed on Surabaya’s History
February 22, 2025
jatim.jpnn.com, SURABAYA – Ciputra University (UC) is collaborating with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in the Uniting Colors in Creativity and Heritage program which will run from February 16 to 22, 2025.
One of the program’s main activities is the creation of a mural titled “The History of Surabaya’s Society in the Past,” located on Jalan Mliwis, near Surabaya’s Old Town.
Ciputra University’s Vice Head of International Relations, Gelar Nanggala Wahyu Sagara Putra, S.Hum., M.Han., said the program involved 20 UTM students and four lecturers, and was a collaboration with UC’s Visual Communication Design (VCD) Study Program.
“We want to strengthen international cooperation in non-academic fields that emphasise creativity and cultural exchange. Furthermore, this mural is part of UC’s support for the revitalisation of Surabaya’s Old Town as a new tourist destination,” said Gelar.
The mural, which took three days to complete, features various elements typical of Surabaya’s past, such as horse-drawn carts (horse-drawn carts), clover vendors, lontong balap (rice cakes), and the atmosphere of hangkrukan (traditional cafes).
UC VCD lecturer and mural conceptor, Pandu Rukmi Utomo, S.Ds., M.Ds., explained that the work took six hours per day, involving students from UC and UTM.
“This mural was created on a 7.5 x 3 meter wall. We wanted to provide a firsthand experience for UTM students to understand the history and culture of Surabaya, while also strengthening the creative values of UC students,” he explained.
In addition to the mural creation, UTM students were also invited to visit the Tunjungan Regional Crafts Council (Dekranasda) to learn more about local MSME products.
For the UTM students, the mural painting experience was deeply memorable. Shym Pei Xun, a UTM Mechanical Engineering student, said this was his first time creating a mural.
“It felt amazing. I’d never painted a mural before, but I was happy to be guided by my UC colleagues. The challenge was the crowded area, but it was still fun,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thayabharam, a UTM Petroleum Engineering student, said he was pleased to learn more about Indonesian culture, especially through culinary experiences.
“I’m happy to be friends with UC students. I also enjoyed Indonesian specialities like bakso (meatball soup), jamu beras kencur (rice ginger jamu), and es jeruk (orange ice), which are not available in Malaysia,” he said.
For UC students, the program was also a valuable experience. Cleo, for one, said her involvement in the project enriched her cultural knowledge and strengthened her friendships.
“I feel fortunate to have participated. Despite the hot weather, my friends from UTM remained enthusiastic. This was an unforgettable experience,” she said. (mcr12/jpnn)