UMM–UiTM Malaysia Bring Javanese Traditional Games to the Global Stage

 “Cultural Harmony Across Borders: UMM–UiTM Malaysia Bring Javanese Traditional Games to the Global Stage”

MALANG | JATIMSATUNEWS.COM: A vibrant collaboration of culture, creativity, and international engagement has been launched by the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM). Through the program titled “Multimedia Cultural Chronicles: Unveiling the Joy of Javanese Traditional Games Collaboration Program,” the Communication Science Department of UMM partnered with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia to elevate Javanese traditional games to a global audience. This week-long program began on November 23, 2025.

The initiative brought together dozens of Indonesian and Malaysian students to observe, document, and creatively reinterpret traditional Javanese games. Participants engaged in field observations, interviews, and creative production, resulting in a collaborative coffee table book and a series of instructional videos that aim to introduce Indonesia’s cultural heritage to international communities.

During the opening ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Dr. Fauzik Lendriyono, M.Si., emphasized that the presence of UiTM students strengthens the academic partnership between both institutions.
“UMM is delighted and proud to welcome international students. I hope you will strengthen collaboration and communication, as these are valuable forms of social capital,” he stated.

He also reminded participants to uphold values, norms, and professionalism throughout the program. The students are scheduled to visit several cultural and educational sites in Malang and Batu, including the Panji Museum, Ngawonggo Tourism Village, and Taman Dolan. At each location, they experience firsthand how traditional games are played while documenting the process to create multimedia outputs.

Tengku Syamimi Afiqah, one of the UiTM participants, shared that the program offers both academic and cultural enrichment.
“The environment at UMM is very welcoming and inspiring. This collaboration allows us to gain deeper insight into Indonesian culture, especially the traditional games we are documenting,” she said.

The main outcome of the program is a coffee table book showcasing various Indonesian traditional games, along with culturally rich narratives. In addition, the video series will explain how each game is played, making it accessible to audiences worldwide.

Through this collaborative effort, UMM reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international networks while promoting local culture through multimedia approaches. The creative synergy between UMM and UiTM students becomes a meaningful step in preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage—allowing the “melody of tradition” to resonate across the globe.