YOGYAKARTA-Concerns and solidarity towards survivors of earthquake and tsunami in Japan that occurred on March 11 continue to be given. This time, concerns and solidarity were expressed by Women’s Association (DWP) Universitas Gadjah Mada, in cooperation with the Center for Japanese Studies (PSJ). The event under the theme Imitating the Spirit of Kartini for Caring and Sharing was held at the University Club (UC) UGM.
Chairman of the Association, Mrs. Sudjarwadi, in her speech said that the event was designed specifically by inviting the Center for Japanese Studies as a form of solidarity and concern for victims of the earthquake and tsunami, on Tuesday (12/4).
Further, she also delivered that up to now the relationship between UGM and Japan was quite well. She cited that in the tragedy of the earthquake and tsunami in Aceh and Yogyakarta, Central Java, the Japanese did not miss to express condolences. Recently, UGM received a visit from 15 female dancers from Japan who joined the Sapporo Meeting of International Friendship, Japan. Actually, if earthquake and tsunami disaster had not occured, the Association planned to make return visit to Sapporo. However, the plan had to be cancelled because of the incident which claimed thousands of casualties. "Not much we can do for them other than through this activity," she said.
Meanwhile, the head of Center for Japanese Studies, Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M. Eng., Ph.D., said the video of event is planned to be sent to Japanese society, especially in the areas of Miyagi, Sendai, Ibaraki, which are severely affected by the disaster. The video is to demonstrate a sense of solidarity and deep concerns of the people of Indonesia to the survivors of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. "Not only material support is required, but also encouragement. Ganbate Nippon for them is necessary. One of the supports is that we send the video of this event to Japan, either through the government and the Sapporo Meeting of International Friendship," Irfan said.
In the same place, several alumni of universities in Japan also attended the occasion such as Dr. Ali Awaludin, ST, M. Eng., a graduate of University of Hokkaido, Dr. Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, a graduate of Tohoku University, and Ir. Ikaputra, M. Eng, Ph.D., a graduate of Osaka University. Currently, as many as 165 lecturers of S-2 and S-3 of UGM are graduates from various universities in Japan.
According to Ali, Indonesia and Japan do have closeness, including in the field of tourism. Japanese tourists, for example, always choose Bali as one of tourist destinations besides other several tourism destinations, such as Hawaii and Kyushu. He believes that Japanese society affected by disaster will be cheered up by the video. "With the video, Japanese society there will be cheered up and regain the spirit," Ali said.
Likewise, Woro Anindito also added that up to now she still gets in touch and monitors her friends who are still studying in Japan. A sense of trauma is still felt by Indonesian students in Japan because aftershocks are still happening. "Through the Indonesian Student Association in Japan, we continue to monitor the condition. Trauma is found considering the aftershocks are still happening up to yesterday," Woro said.
In the event, some dance performances from Indonesia, such as Golek Ayun-ayun that was performed by DWP members, Bunga Sakura song, Indonesia Pusaka, Apuse, Ampar-Ampar Banana, and Sukiyaki were presented. On that occasion, Mrs. Sudjarwadi also had the opportunity to perform Bengawan Solo song. The event was also set like the atmosphere in Japan, such as bamboo trees that are usually found in a celebration/festival of Tanabata. In addition, there are also hundreds of crane (Tsuru) on display at the entrance and the corners of the room. The existence of Tsuru that reached 1,000 is a symbol for prayers to be accepted by God. The participants also had time to practice Japanese art of paper folding, origami.