The Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), has launched its flagship program called Kemenpora Corner, consisting of two sub-activities — Sports Infographics and Karismatik. The Karismatik initiative invites students, lecturers, and academic staff to wear batik every Thursday as a form of appreciation and pride in Indonesia’s national heritage. The program aims to strengthen cultural identity and foster a sense of nationalism among the academic community within the faculty.
Instilling Cultural Pride and National Identity
The Karismatik Program serves as a tangible effort by FPK UNAIR students to preserve Indonesia’s cultural heritage amid the fast-paced era of modernization and globalization. By wearing batik—a traditional textile recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage—every Thursday, members of the FPK community are encouraged to express pride in the values, philosophy, and artistry embedded within this national symbol.
Batik is not merely a piece of clothing; it represents elegance, perseverance, and unity in diversity—core values that define Indonesia’s cultural identity. Through this simple yet meaningful routine, FPK UNAIR strives to nurture nationalism and cultural awareness among students, ensuring they grow not only as academically excellent individuals but also as culturally grounded citizens who understand the essence of their national character.
Cultivating a Spirit of Unity and Cultural Appreciation
The Karismatik movement has become a positive cultural campaign that beautifies the campus atmosphere while reinforcing the spirit of national identity, character, and tradition. Every Thursday, the sight of students and lecturers proudly wearing batik brings a sense of harmony and elegance to the academic environment.
This initiative encourages the younger generation to take an active role in preserving Indonesian heritage, especially within academic settings. It also serves as a reminder that culture can be integrated into everyday life—demonstrating that academic excellence and cultural pride can coexist as pillars of a well-rounded student identity.
Through consistent participation, FPK UNAIR hopes to turn this habit into a symbol of unity and pride, inspiring other institutions to celebrate Indonesia’s heritage in similar ways.
Fostering Character and Cultural Awareness in Higher Education
Beyond its aesthetic value, the Karismatik program has proven effective in shaping student character and promoting moral values such as respect, humility, and cultural consciousness. By embracing local traditions, students are encouraged to see culture not as something distant or ceremonial, but as a living identity embedded in their daily routines.
FPK UNAIR envisions this program as part of a larger movement to integrate cultural preservation into higher education, preparing students to become globally aware individuals with strong roots in their cultural heritage. Through the Karismatik initiative, the faculty continues to uphold its mission to blend academic achievement with social and cultural values—a key component of Universitas Airlangga’s vision for holistic education.
