The Center of Excellence in Javanologi Science and Technology (PUI Javanologi) at Universitas Sebelas Maret welcomed a total of 106 Javanese Diaspora from various countries, including Suriname, the Netherlands, and India, on Monday, October 9, 2023. The visit of these Javanese Diaspora was intended for them to see their ancestral home and witness the realization of the PUI Javanologi building, which was designated as the Omahe Diaspora Jawa Sak Donya and was officially inaugurated in 2019. Their visit was coordinated by Ricky Tour from Suriname, who brought the Diaspora to visit places of historical significance to the Javanese Diaspora, spanning Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya, and even Bali.
The visit of the Javanese Diaspora was received at the Pendhapa R.Ng. Yasadipura, PUI Javanologi UNS. It was warmly welcomed by Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, M.Hum., Ph.D. (Head of PUI Javanologi), Dr. Septi Yulisetiani, M.Pd. (Secretary of PUI Javanologi), Dr. Mibtadin, S.Fil.I., M.S.I. (Coordinator of Acceleration and Development Programs at PUI Javanologi), and the peer group including Dr. Theresia Widyastuti, M.Sn., Dra. Tiwi Bina Affanti, M.Sn., Apika Nurani Sulistyati, S.Sn., M.Sn., Dr. Sugit Zulianto, M.Pd., Drs. Sutarjo, M.Hum., Dr. Basuki Sumartono, M.Sn., and the staff of PUI Javanologi.
Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, M.Hum., Ph.D., as the Chairman of PUI Javanologi, extends a warm welcome and gratitude to the Javanese Diaspora who have traveled from Suriname and kindly visited PUI Javanologi. He also presented information about Javanese cultural programs, including learning the Javanese language, traditional dance, and karawitan (Javanese traditional music), while introducing PUI Javanologi. After listening to the presentation by the head of PUI Javanologi, the Javanese Diaspora were invited to reminisce and enjoy culinary delights such as tiwul, sawut, klepon, arem-arem, es kuwut, sosis solo, and many more.
After enjoying the traditional Solo dishes, the guests were also invited to take a tour of Museum UNS located in the R.Ng. Ranggawarsita Building on the first floor. They were guided to explore and learn about UNS history, starting from the pre-UNS era, the development of UNS, up to the present-day UNS. The Javanese Diaspora were highly interested in the museum’s collections, which included items like the Batik Kimono for 2 Seasons, Batik with the UNS logo motif, Japanese Taiko drums, and Lontar Yusuf manuscripts. Not only did they view these exhibits, but the guests were also treated to various Solo-themed souvenirs, such as scarves, laptop bags, tote bags, bucket hats, keychains, karak (a traditional beverage), wedang uwuh (a traditional herbal drink), and more. The visiting guests seemed enthusiastic about selecting and purchasing the available souvenirs after their tour and shopping at the Museum UNS.
