Surakarta, [24-25 September 2024] – The 1st International Summit and Art Performance 2024, themed “Memedi Sawah: A Golden Symbol of World Food Security,” concluded successfully, bringing together international experts, cultural practitioners, and artists to highlight the intersections between cultural heritage, sustainability, and global food security. Held at PUI Javanologi UNS, the two-day event featured an international summit and a series of vibrant cultural performances that celebrated Indonesia’s rich traditions while addressing contemporary global challenges.
Day One: International Summit on Memedi Sawah as a Symbol of Food Security
The event’s first day centered on the International Summit, where speakers from across the globe discussed the Memedi Sawah as both a cultural symbol and a metaphor for food security. Presentations revealed fascinating similarities and differences in how scarecrow figures are perceived and utilized in various parts of the world.
Southeast Asian countries, such as [mention examples], showcased unique yet interconnected perspectives on how Memedi Sawah is integrated into their agricultural and cultural practices. In contrast, regions like Europe, Africa, and the Americas presented their own interpretations, highlighting the diversity of approaches to food security challenges. These global insights emphasized the importance of preserving cultural knowledge in shaping sustainable food systems.
Day Two: Fashion Show and Art Performances Showcase Surakarta’s Cultural Richness
The second day of the event shifted focus to cultural performances, beginning with an ethnic fashion show presented by Pamasidi Wedding Organizer. The show featured a series of traditional Surakarta wedding customs, showcasing the rich diversity of wedding traditions in the region. The event also served as a platform to highlight the Pendapa R.Ng Yasadipura at PUI Javanologi UNS, which was introduced as a versatile venue for weddings and cultural ceremonies.
Following the fashion show, the day continued with a series of art performances. Padepokan Kajarsono led the sacred Ruwatan Sekarjagad ceremony, symbolizing spiritual cleansing, followed by a tree planting session as a gesture of environmental stewardship. Audiences were then treated to the Hanacara Session, Mbabar Simbok Pertiwi, and a unique Wayang Keong performance by Mbah Janthit, bringing together traditional Javanese puppet storytelling with modern narratives.
The evening culminated in a moving Guritan Memedi Sawah recital, complemented by a lively Kothek Lesung Galadut performance from Danyang Subur, a fitting tribute to the agricultural roots that inspired the event’s theme.
Cultural Heritage as a Pathway to Global Food Security
With approximately 1000 attendance on both days, the summit and performances together provided a unique platform for integrating cultural preservation with practical discussions on food security. As the event concluded, organizers called for continued global collaboration to ensure that traditional knowledge and cultural heritage remain central to building sustainable food systems.
