Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM sent five students to The 8th ASEAN Youth Cultural Forum 2010. They were Liony Mayestica (English Literature), Senny Gustini Ayu (English Literature), Rika Karsitra Sari (English Literature), Ni Luh Irma Kumala Astari (Anthropology), and Pramita Dinar Ari Putri (Japanese Literature). The event was held at National University of Singapore from 7 to 12 June 2010.
In a forum that aimed to visualize the cultural essence of ASEAN member countries, UGM delegation displayed a performance art entitled Suramadu Dance. Drs. Eddy Pursubaryanto, M. Hum., lecturer of English Department, who accompanied the UGM representatives, mentioned that Suramadu dance is the new work created by Drs. Untung Muljono, M. Hum., an alumnus of UGM Performing Arts and Arts Program.
Suramadu dance was inspired by the establishment of Suramadu Bridge that received much attention from the surrounding communities. They warmly welcomed the opening of the bridge that links Surabaya City and Madura island. They hope that the bridge can boost the economy and their welfare. This dance illustrates the spirit of Kenjeran people who are firm, flexible, and harmonious, as harmonious as the moves and the music that is typical of Madura and Surabaya. The expression is sharp, hard, and agile while consistently holds on to the culture as the local strength.
In addition to the dance, the delegation also presented a collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) entitled Ketoprak-Koci. The dance combined Javanese and Malaysian dance elements with the accompaniment which is a fusion of Malaysian Zapin dance and Suramadu and Rara Ngigel dances.
On that occasion, UGM delegation was also given the opportunity to attend a lecture by practitioners of the arts, culture, and traditions. In addition, they also made field trips to several places in Singapore, including Little India, Padang Street, Marina Bay, Kampong Glam, Kampong Bugis, Baba House, and Tanjong Pagar.
Ni Luh Irma Kumala Astari, a member of UGM delegation, said that the ASEAN Youth Cultural Forum program made her very impressed. All activities offered there were very useful and help gain knowledge about the cultural diversity of ASEAN member countries, advances in technology and their utilization in the performing arts. She added that the program has made her and her friends love Indonesian culture more. "When we were dancing in front of the audience, we were much appreciated and praised. This made us love Indonesian culture more," she said.