Hanoi, Vietnam – Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) continues to expand its international presence as part of its journey toward becoming a World-Class University (WCU) while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through academic and cultural collaboration. Beyond hosting international scholars, UNY actively engages with partner universities overseas to promote Indonesian education and culture.
One of the University's recent initiatives was the Wayang Kulit (Indonesian Shadow Puppet) Workshop organized by the Department of Fine Arts Education, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture (FBSB), at two leading Vietnamese universities: VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) and Hanoi University (HANU). Both institutions are strategic partners of UNY in the development of Indonesian language and cultural education. USSH offers a Southeast Asian Studies program that includes Indonesian language and culture, while HANU provides Indonesian language courses for its students.
The workshop was conducted as part of the Professor's Community Service Program, led by Prof. Dr. Iswahyudi, M.Hum., together with Dedy Sartono, M.Pd., and Dr. Aida Roihana Zuhro, M.Pd. The first workshop took place at USSH on 6 May, followed by a second session at HANU on 7 May. The program attracted enthusiastic participation from students of various disciplines, including English, French, Japanese, and Korean language programs, all of whom shared an interest in Indonesian culture.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to Wayang Kulit, one of Indonesia's most treasured cultural heritage traditions, renowned for its philosophical, artistic, and educational significance. In addition to learning about the history and symbolic meanings of shadow puppetry, participants engaged in hands-on activities covering the entire creative process—from character design and leather cutting techniques to painting and coloring the puppets.
The workshop facilitators explained that the learning-by-doing approach was chosen to provide participants with a more engaging and contextual learning experience. By actively participating in the creative process, students gained not only technical knowledge of Wayang Kulit but also a deeper appreciation of the cultural values embedded within this traditional Indonesian art form.
The initiative received positive responses from both partner universities. Representatives from USSH expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to allow students to learn Indonesian language and culture directly from native experts. Meanwhile, HANU expressed hope that similar collaborations would continue and become an annual program to further strengthen academic and cultural ties between Indonesia and Vietnam.
Participants also shared their enthusiasm following the workshops. One HANU student, Thuy Duon, enthusiastically remarked:
"We love your workshop so much!"
Through this initiative, UNY hopes that Wayang Kulit will gain broader international recognition not only as a globally acknowledged Indonesian cultural heritage but also as an effective instrument of cultural diplomacy that strengthens friendship between Indonesia and Vietnam. The program also reinforces UNY's role as a higher education institution actively promoting Indonesian culture on the international stage.
This initiative contributes directly to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing intercultural learning opportunities, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international academic collaboration, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by preserving and promoting cultural heritage as an essential component of sustainable communities.
