UNAIR NEWS - Commemorating the 79th Independence Day, Indonesians often celebrate it by holding competitions as a tradition. Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) also celebrated the 79th Independence Day with competitions between faculties and fields on Saturday, August 17, 2020.

The celebration took place in the Management Office yard, MERR-C Campus UNAIR. The competition did not only involve educators. Starting from students, university staff, to lecturers participated in synergizing each other representing each team.

It is hoped that it can build good cooperation, not only during the competition, but while being part of the UNAIR community and alumni in the future. As stated by Dr. Koko Srimulyo Drs MSi, Secretary of UNAIR who was in charge of the 79th Anniversary Ceremony.

“Hopefully, through the competition held after the ceremony, it can liven up and build teamwork among the UNAIR academic community, so that the atmosphere becomes harmonious and compact. So, later it can make a good contribution to UNAIR's performance in the future,” said Dr. Koko.

Passing on Tradition Through Fun Competition
In this August 17 competition, UNAIR held two types of competitions, namely glass relay and stagen relay. By organizing this stagen relay competition, it is hoped that it can be an effort to introduce cultural heritage. Stagen is a long cloth that usually complements traditional clothes in Javanese customs.

“There are two competitions, one is the glass relay and the other is the stagen relay. Stagen is a long cloth that complements traditional Javanese clothing that many young people today may not know about. So if you see the competition, you will know that we inherit the culture of our ancestors, such as clothing,” explained Dr. Koko.

The most tantalizing thing about every competition is of course the prize. After UNAIR Rector distributed bicycles during his speech after the ceremony, there were also various prizes in the competition activities. Although the competition was held in teams, Dr. Koko said that the prizes would be divided individually.

“The main prize is of course fun, this is part of entertainment too. But later there will be prizes for the winners, not for groups but individuals, in the form of cash. So they can utilize it more according to their needs,” he explained.

Hope for Indonesia
As Indonesia enters its 79th year of independence, Dr. Koko hopes that unity and integrity will always surround the country. The tradition of the people being together and working together is one of the supports of unity and integrity for the Indonesian people.

“We hope that through this fun atmosphere, sense of togetherness, and cohesiveness, we can contribute to Indonesia in the future. Hopefully Indonesia can always be united, not easily divided, not quarreling,” he explained.

He also quoted a piece of lyrics from the legendary Indonesian singer, Iwan Fals. “Because of the same blood, don't fight. Because of the same bones do not split. Because we stand on the same land and promise the same water. So, Indonesia must be one and united so that Indonesia remains victorious,” Dr. Koko encouraged.

Author: Syifa Rahmadina

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati

Sumber : https://unair.ac.id/semarak-hut-ke-79-ri-unair-gelar-lomba-untuk-wariskan-tradisi/