International Collaboration: UC and UTM Present Historic Murals in Surabaya
February 22, 2025
PR SURABAYA –Ciputra University (UC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening international collaboration through the “Uniting Colors in Creativity and Heritage” program with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
This program ran from February 16–22, 2025, and featured a mural project themed around the history of Surabaya’s past.
A total of 20 UTM students from various departments, accompanied by four lecturers, participated in this activity.
Vice Head of International Relations at Ciputra University, Gelar Nanggala Wahyu Sagara Putra, S.Hum., M.Han., explained that this program involved the UC Visual Communication Design (VCD) Study Program, including lecturers, educational staff, and students.
“We want to make a real contribution to beautifying Surabaya’s Old Town area and supporting the revitalization efforts undertaken by the Surabaya City Government,” he explained.
A Historical-Themed Mural in the Heart of the Old Town
This mural is located on Jalan Mliwis, near the highly visited Old Town area.
The mural’s theme, chosen through coordination between UC, the Surabaya City Department of Culture, Youth, and Tourism (Disbudporapar), and other relevant parties, features cultural icons such as horse-drawn carts (horse-drawn carts), clover vendors, lontong balap (rice cakes), and traditional interactions of the community in the past.
Pandu Rukmi Utomo, S.Ds., M.Ds., a UC VCD lecturer and mural conceptor, explained that the mural took three days, six hours each day.
“This mural measures 7.5 x 3 meters and involved a creative collaboration between UC and UTM students. In addition to creating the mural, UTM students were also invited to explore Surabaya and enjoy local culinary delights such as lontong balap (rice cakes), clover, and sinom (rice cakes),” Pandu explained.
A Memorable Experience for International Students
Shym Pei Xun, a UTM student majoring in Mechanical Engineering, said that the experience of creating this mural was unique. “This is my first time painting a mural.
I’m happy to have received guidance from my UC colleagues and am proud to have created a work of art depicting Surabaya’s iconic city,” he said.
Similarly, Thayabharam, a UTM student majoring in Petroleum Engineering, expressed his joy at making friends with Indonesian students and trying local culinary delights like meatball soup, jamu beras kencur (rice ginger jamu), and ice jeruk (orange ice).
Meanwhile, Cleo, a UC student, stated that this experience was invaluable to her.
“Seeing the enthusiasm of my UTM friends despite the hot weather made me even more excited. This was a wonderful opportunity to understand different cultures and strengthen friendships,” she said.
Hopes for the Future
Gelar hopes this program can serve as a means of cultural diplomacy that strengthens the relationship between UC and UTM, as well as between Indonesia and Malaysia more broadly.
“We also hope that the people of Surabaya will maintain and preserve this mural so that it can be enjoyed for a long time,” he added.
Pandu added that this program is not just about art, but also about developing the students’ character.
“We want to shape future designers who do not forget their cultural values and identity,” he hoped.
With the success of this program, UC and UTM are further strengthening their international collaboration focused on creativity, cultural exchange, and tangible contributions to society.
Programs like this not only enrich students’ knowledge but also have a positive impact on the surrounding environment.***