On May 9, 2025, the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) showcased the power of artistic collaboration at the Performing Enchantment event, held at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM. The event was the culmination of a series of celebrations marking 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic contributions and 34 years of the PSPSR Program at UGM.
The event’s core was its seamless collaboration among artists, academics, alumni, students, and families. The opening Reog Ponorogo performance set the tone, bringing together local Reog artists and PSPSR’s creative team to blend tradition with fresh artistic direction.
A highlight of the evening was the Batak thanksgiving ritual during Manjalo Tuani Gondang, featuring Dr. Lono Simatupang and his family. This segment exemplified the integration of family, tradition, and academic community, as musicians, dancers, and family members formed a circle symbolizing unity and gratitude.
Collaboration extended beyond the family. The Light Orchestra PSPSR united alumni and students to perform orchestral arrangements of Indonesian classics, demonstrating intergenerational teamwork and mutual respect. The Randai performance by ISI Padangpanjang and the PSPSR Jingle by ISI Yogyakarta further illustrated inter-institutional cooperation, enriching the artistic dialogue.
A special moment was the intergenerational performance by Landung Simatupang, Dr. Lono’s brother, joined by Dr. Lono and Asriuni Pradipta, a PSPSR student and niece. Their collaboration merged theater, music, and personal narrative, highlighting the strength of family and academic ties in artistic creation.
The event also featured Orkes Melayu Jarang Pulang, a lively dangdut orchestra involving alumni, students, and young lecturers, and concluded with Sambasunda ISBI Bandung, reinforcing the event’s collaborative spirit.
Performing Enchantment 2025 demonstrated that collaboration is the foundation of innovation and cultural sustainability at PSPSR UGM. The event supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly quality education and cultural preservation. (Hajar Aznam)
