The jubilation of UGM’s 74th anniversary appears to have no bounds. A sea of flowers, arranged by the UGM Women’s Association (DWP) and the Sumbang Kawruh Indonesia Foundation (SUKRI), adorns the entrance boulevard area of UGM in a captivating spectacle.
This flower installation, part of the “UGM Harmony” event, aptly titled “Beyond Art,” unfolded on Sunday, December 17.
“This flower carpet is not just a beautiful arrangement; it has a social mission that directly impacts socially and economically on the community, especially corn husk flower craftspeople, most of whom are women supporting the family economy,” explained the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, MD.
Crafted through the collaborative effort of 150 volunteers, 77,000 corn husk flowers and 30,000 fresh flowers of various types, shapes, and colors were arranged to create this breathtaking flower carpet.
The theme of floral artistry was thoughtfully chosen to symbolize harmonious collaboration among all individuals and activities under UGM’s umbrella. It celebrates the success of collaboration in diversity, yielding various innovations and creativity inspired by archipelagic insights.
Each flower, with its distinct color, carries unique significance, mirroring the essence of UGM’s collaboration and cooperation with various entities. Despite differences in expertise, backgrounds, and goals, these distinctions converge in various intellectual works aimed at serving society.
The flower carpet in UGM Harmony encapsulates three key values: collaboration, the birth of noteworthy figures from UGM, and the unwavering support of DWP and SUKRI for a campus that ardently champions the empowerment of women.
The profound meaning embedded in this flower carpet extends beyond aesthetics; sustainability and environmental friendliness were also at the forefront of its creation. In addition to beautiful fresh flowers, the installation features crafted blooms from waste corn husks, known as “klobot,” enhancing the environmental consciousness of the artwork.
“Every work and innovation must have social and humanitarian values. This aligns with this year’s anniversary theme,” explained the rector.
DWP Chair Indun Dewi Puspita expounded on the significance of UGM Harmony 2023.
“This flower arrangement symbolizes a harmonious collaboration among all individuals and communities under UGM’s auspices from different backgrounds, as well as conveying special messages to commemorate UGM’s 74-year journey,” she explained.
This activity received full support from PT Pertamina (Persero), PT Waskita Karya (Persero), PT Jamkrindo, and MIND ID. In addition to the collaboration symbol, the flower installation series serves as a visual delight for every passerby. In total, nine installations, along with the flower spreads, grace the UGM boulevard area, providing a picturesque spectacle.
The UGM Harmony flower arrangement is available for visitors from December 18 to 20, 2023. Visitors can enjoy all installations, capturing memorable photos amidst the floral splendor in the boulevard area.
The symbolic flower arrangements aspire to inspire the growth of diverse collaborations and creations among the Indonesian people to advance the nation.
Author: Tasya
Photographer: Firsto