UC Students Partner with Malaysian Campus to Beautify Surabaya’s Old Town with Mural Art
February 23, 2025
Ciputra University (UC) Surabaya, in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), held the “Uniting Colours in Creativity and Heritage” program in Surabaya’s Old Town.
Galela Nanggala Wahyu Sagara Putra, Vice Head of International Relations at UC, said that one of the program’s activities was creating a mural themed around the history of Surabaya’s past.
“The theme was chosen as a result of coordination between UC, the Surabaya City Culture, Sports, and Tourism Office, and other relevant parties to support the revitalisation program for the Surabaya Old Town area,” he said on Sunday (February 23, 2025).
The mural location was chosen on Jalan Mliwis because it has a high visitor rate. The project involved not only students but also lecturers and educational staff.
He said this program is a form of UC’s support for the Surabaya City Government’s efforts to beautify the Old Town area as a new tourist destination.
The program also aims to promote local MSME products by inviting international students to several locations in Surabaya, such as the Tunjungan National Student Affairs Deskranasda (National Student Affairs Deskranasda).
“This also aims to strengthen international cooperation, particularly in non-academic fields, by highlighting creativity, cultural exchange, and the involvement of international students,” he said.
Pandu Rukmi Utomo, a lecturer in the Visual Communication (VCD) Study Program and mural conceptor, explained that the mural featured several subjects, such as a clover vendor, a lontong balap (rice cake) vendor, a horse-drawn cart (horse-drawn cart), and a depiction of people hanging out together.
“The mural was created on a 7.5 x 3 meter surface. Furthermore, participants were given the opportunity to explore Surabaya during a sightseeing session as part of the cultural experience. We invited our UTM colleagues to enjoy Surabaya culinary delights such as lontong balap (rice cake), clover, and sinom (rice cake),” he said.
He hopes the program can also serve as a means of cultural diplomacy that strengthens the relationship between UC and UTM students, as well as neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia.
Shym Pei Xun, a UTM student, expressed that the collaborative program provided a new experience for her.
“It felt amazing, because I’d never created a mural or painted before. I’m happy to be taught by my friends and the VCD mentors. I’m proud to be able to create a work at this iconic landmark of Surabaya,” she said.
Meanwhile, Cleo, a UC student, also said that the program not only beautified the city but also increased her knowledge of Surabaya’s art and history.
“I’m grateful because it has also broadened my understanding of cultural differences and strengthened my friendships with other friends, both from UC and UTM,” she concluded. (ris/bil/iss)