The Research and Innovation Activity of the Peking University UNESCO Chair on Rural Creativity and Sustainable Development Indonesia Workshop was Successfully Held, with Chinese and Indonesian Youth Jointly Exploring Paths for Cultural Innovation and Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

 

From February 3 to 10, 2025, the "A Youthful Countryside Meeting Across the Mountains and the Seas" Indonesia Workshop was held in Malang and Yogyakarta under the guidance of the UNESCO Chair on Rural Creativity and Sustainable Development. Co-organized by Peking University’s Institute for Cultural Industries and Universitas Brawijaya’s Faculty of Cultural Studies (Indonesia), the workshop was led by Xiang Yong. He serves as the UNESCO Chairholder on Rural Creativity and Sustainable Development, Dean of Peking University’s Institute for Cultural Industries, and Professor at Peking University’s School of Arts. Over twenty faculty and students from Peking University and Universitas Brawijaya participated. Through academic exchanges, cultural investigations, and creative practices, the workshop explored collaborative potential between China and Indonesia in rural cultural preservation, creative economies, and sustainable development, offering innovative ideas for rural revitalization in China, Indonesia, and across Asia.

 

     Activity Poster

 

Academic Exchange: Enhancing Cultural Understanding and Scholarly Collaboration Between China and Indonesia

Prior to the field investigation, the workshop equipped participants with substantial knowledge through a series of online lectures.On January 24 and 31, Universitas Brawijaya organized three thematic online sessions: "Chinese Descendants in Indonesia," "Field Research in East Java, Indonesia," "Themed Village Development in Malang". Three scholars — Dr. Padmo Adi, Dr. Yayuk Windarti, and Dr. Yang Nadia Miranti — systematically elaborated on East Java Province's historical-cultural characteristics, local customs, and Malang's distinctive rural development models. Post-lecture discussions facilitated in-depth exchanges among participants and presenters. This targeted academic preparation provided participants with systematic theoretical frameworks and comprehensive observational perspectives.

 

Series of Online Lectures

 

On the morning of February 4, Xiang Yong led members of the workshop to visit the campus of Universitas Brawijaya in Malang. The delegation from Peking University was received by Universitas Brawijaya President Widodo, Vice President Andi Kurniawan, and Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Studies Hamamah. During the meeting, Kurniawan presented an overview of Universitas Brawijaya's historical development, academic disciplines, and student cultivation initiatives, while Xiang Yong introduced the international student education and talent development programs of Peking University's School of Arts and Institute for Cultural Industries. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions regarding collaboration in cultural and creative fields, and expressed mutual aspirations to strengthen cooperation in regional cultural development and the cultivation of young creative talents in the future.

 

Dean Xiang Yong Meets with Leaders of Universitas Brawijaya

 

On the afternoon of February 4, Xiang Yong delivered an English-language academic lecture titled "Locality and Asianness: Current Status and Development Prospects of Cultural Industries Cooperation between China and Indonesia" at the Faculty of Cultural Studies of Universitas Brawijaya, upon invitation. In his presentation, Xiang elaborated on the theoretical implications of "locality" and "Asianness," reviewed the historical interactions and cultural exchanges between China and Indonesia, and highlighted new opportunities for bilateral cultural industries collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. He proposed that while preserving the uniqueness of their local cultures, the two countries should jointly explore global communication models reflecting an "Asian narrative," actively pursue digital transformation and technical collaboration, and promote sustainable rural development through cooperation in cultural tourism and handicraft industries. Concluding the lecture, Xiang shared innovative Chinese models for art-driven rural revitalization, using Bicheng Village in Xuanhan, Sichuan Province, and Yaoli Village in Nanxun, Zhejiang Province, as case studies to demonstrate how cultural creativity empowers integrated rural development in agriculture, culture, and tourism.

 

Dean Xiang Yong Delivers a Thematic Lecture

After the lecture, experts and scholars from Universitas Brawijaya in the field of cultural studies showed strong interest in China's innovative practices in art-based rural construction, expressing anticipation for deeper China-Indonesia cooperation in cultural industries.

  Dean Xiang Yong Answers Post-Lecture Questions

 

Hamamah, representing Universitas Brawijaya's Cultural Studies Institute, presented Indonesian specialty gifts to workshop members. Xiang Yong, on behalf of Peking University's Institute for Cultural Industries, reciprocated with Peking University cultural and creative souvenirs.

 

Dean Xiang Yong Exchanges Gifts with Dean Hamamah

 

Cultural Investigation: Perceiving Indonesia's Modern Transformation from Traditional Crafts to Cultural Heritage  

On the morning of February 5, workshop members visited Batik Soendari in Malang to study batik-making procedures and observe various wax-dyeing products. Under the guidance of local artisans, participants personally outlined patterns with hot wax and then filled them with natural plant-based dyes. The workshop members fully experienced the artistic charm of batik, gaining profound appreciation for the unique appeal and cultural value of Indonesian traditional craftsmanship. PKU faculty and students observed that batik not only represents craftsmanship but also embodies Indonesians' expression of nature and spiritual beliefs. The technical differences between Chinese tie-dye and Indonesian batik vividly demonstrate the two cultures' distinct interpretations of "reserving blank spaces" in artistic creation.

 

Investigation of Batik Studio

 

At noon, workshop members visited the Polowijen Cultural Village near Malang, where they enjoyed a traditional Indonesian Topeng mask dance performance and experienced mask-painting craftsmanship. In the afternoon, the group explored Kajoe Tangan, a cultural heritage district in downtown Malang renowned for its diverse architectural styles remaining from the Dutch colonial period.

 

Investigation of Kajoe Tangan Cultural Heritage Site

 

Workshop members immersed themselves in the local residents' lifestyle and held discussions with the Kajoe Tangan management team. Centered on the theme of "transforming historical spaces into modern living scenarios," both parties exchanged ideas regarding brand communication, business format optimization, and standardized management of Kajoe Tangan. From the perspective of balancing cultural value and market demands, members offered suggestions covering multiple dimensions including environmental sanitation, parking facilities, public cultural spaces, homestay operations, commercial amenities, as well as local cultural exploration and narrative storytelling.

 

Symposium with Kajoe Tangan Management Team

 

On the morning of February 6, accompanied by Dean Hamamah, workshop members investigated the development of specialty agriculture and folk handicraft industries in Batu City. In Kampong Rechoso Village, they visited local traditional craft workshops to learn about the design concepts, production processes, and sales strategies of wooden crafts, weaving, and other handicrafts. 

   Investigation of Kampong Rechoso Handmade Wood Products

 

The members visited the Bulukerto Apple Orchard, gaining detailed insights into the cultivation, harvesting, sorting, processing, and marketing of locally distinctive apple varieties. 

   Investigation of Bulukerto Apple Orchard

 

In Kaliwatu, Xiang Yong held in-depth discussions with representatives from Batu City Government and the Batu City Arts Council. Both parties expressed mutual aspirations to establish closer collaboration in the cultural industry sector, aiming to facilitate greater participation of Chinese and Indonesian scholars in supporting rural communities across both nations. This cooperation seeks to optimize community development potential and accelerate the growth of local specialty industries.

 

Dean Xiang Yong's Dialogue with Batu City Government Representatives

and Batu City Art Council Delegates

 

On February 7, workshop participants visited the Bromo Volcano landscape and subsequently arrived at the Tengger Village at the foot of the volcano to observe an ongoing traditional ethnic wedding ceremony. The villagers, devout followers of Hinduism and an important component of Indonesia's multicultural society, wore colorful woven scarves and offered rice and flowers as sacrifices to the volcanic deities. The volcano, perceived as both a threat and a blessing, has taught people to revere nature. Through interactions with the villagers, the workshop members gained insights into Tengger's historical roots, cultural heritage, and the profound emotional connection between the community and Mount Bromo. This experience deepened their understanding of Indonesia's cultural philosophy emphasizing harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, as well as between individuals and society.

On the morning of February 8, the workshop members arrived at Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as one of the Four Great Ancient Wonders of the East. This Buddhist architectural marvel is renowned for its grand structural design, intricate bas-relief artistry, and profound cultural significance. Its architectural style and Buddhist philosophical framework reflect the historical integration and evolution of diverse cultures in Indonesia. Guided by professional commentary, the participants meticulously observed the Buddha statues and narrative reliefs, seeking to decode the historical contexts and storytelling sequences embedded within these ancient stone canvases. The temple's spatial arrangement, mirroring Buddhist cosmology, offered tangible insights into Indonesia's spiritual heritage and cross-cultural exchanges along ancient trade routes.

 

   Investigation of Borobudur Temple

 

On February 8, the workshop members visited a traditional brown sugar workshop in Dusun Jligudan Village, Yogyakarta, conducting a field study on the production process of this Indonesian staple food. Artisans demonstrated the entire procedure—from climbing coconut trees to collect nectar to the meticulous boiling process that transforms it into brown sugar. Through this hands-on observation, Peking University participants gained deeper appreciation for local craftsmen's arduous labor behind ordinary delicacies.

    Observation of Traditional Brown Sugar-Making Process

 

Subsequently, the workshop members participated in cultural and artistic activities infused with Central Javanese traditions in Yogyakarta’s rural areas. Guided by Indonesian artists, they collaboratively played the traditional Javanese Gamelan ensemble and learned local dances, appreciating the charm of music and dance in cross-cultural communication. The group also visited the gallery of Indonesian artist Mr. Sony, where they admired local artists’ profound interpretations and innovative expressions of indigenous culture, witnessing how traditional motifs intertwine with contemporary aesthetics in Indonesia’s vibrant art scene.

 

      Experience of Javanese Traditional Gamelan Music

 

On the morning of February 9, the workshop members visited Gereja Ayam, exploring its unique architectural landscape. The structure, shaped like a giant pigeon, stands on a hilltop near Borobudur Temple, surrounded by lush tropical forests. The group admired both the building's innovative layout and its artistic installations, experiencing firsthand the harmonious integration of cultural symbolism with natural scenery.

    Investigation of Gereja Ayam Architectural Landscape

 

Subsequently, the participants visited Pawon Temple, a local cultural heritage site, to observe the production techniques of Kopi Luwak (civet coffee) and traditional honey-making. These artisanal practices exemplify Indonesians' ingenious utilization of natural resources, reflecting the life wisdom accumulated through generations of labor.

    Observation of Indonesian Civet Coffee

 

Participants also learnt about the art of Indonesian relief carving and tried their hand at simple relief carving in Omah Mbudur Village. At noon, at the Omah Garengpoeng Gourmet Workshop, Ms Lily T Erwin, a renowned Indonesian gourmet, instructed the participants to learn how to cook traditional Indonesian dishes with various types of food that incorporate herbs, spices and fruits, giving them a deeper insight into the unique Indonesian cooking techniques and flavourful cuisines.

The participants also delved into Indonesian relief art at Omah Mbudur village, learning traditional carving techniques and crafting simple relief artworks under local artisans' guidance. At noon, in the Omah Garengpoeng culinary workshop, renowned Indonesian food expert Ms. Lily T Erwin taught the group to prepare authentic dishes blending herbs, spices, and tropical fruits. This hands-on experience immersed them in Indonesia’s distinctive culinary craftsmanship and flavor profiles.

 

Hands-on Experience in Indonesian Relief Carving

 

Creative Collision: Exploring the Future of Villages through the Perspectives of Youth from Two Nations  

On the afternoon of February 6, workshop participants divided into four groups—specialty agricultural products, mask culture, soundscapes, and batik art—to present their creative project proposals based on field research.

The first group proposed developing green apple-themed tourism products and experiential activities. Through cross-disciplinary experiments integrating "apple + cultural creativity," they designed DIY jam workshops and fruitwood carving experiences using Malang green apples, along with packaging featuring "Apple Stories" that blend Chinese and Indonesian elements.

Group I Creative Project Planning Roadshow

 

The second group bridged Chinese Peking Opera masks with Indonesian mask symbolism to explore shared Asian cultural roots. They suggested building an Asian mask database and creating AR interactive exhibitions.

 

   Group II Creative Project Planning Roadshow

 

The third group collected Malang's unique soundscapes to develop audio-themed tourism experiences, including wearable devices for immersive guided tours.

Group III Creative Project Planning Roadshow

 

The fourth group designed interactive batik projects combining traditional techniques with social media, proposing live-stream collaborations between Chinese and Indonesian influencers to showcase craftsmanship and launch online challenges, aiming to engage global youth with Malang's batik culture. 

 

Group IV Creative Project Planning Roadshow

 

Collectively, these innovative concepts demonstrated the passion and understanding of Chinese and Indonesian youth toward Indonesian culture, challenging the stereotype of "Asian villages as backward traditions." By reinterpreting heritage through digital technology, they infused rural communities with vitality for the globalization era.

    Commentary and Evaluation by Chinese and Indonesian Professors

 

The "A Youthful Countryside Meeting Across the Mountains and Seas–UNESCO Chair on Rural Creativity and Sustainable Development Indonesia Workshop" has successfully concluded. This event inaugurated an exchange channel between Peking University's Institute for Cultural Industries and Universitas Brawijaya's Faculty of Cultural Studies in Indonesia within the field of rural creativity and sustainable development. More than an intellectual collision of academic ideas, it represents an exploratory endeavor in Asia's rural revitalization journey, laying groundwork for cross-regional and international collaboration in rural innovation.During the workshop, scholars and young students from both countries, driven by fervent aspirations for rural development, ventured into multiple Indonesian villages. Through immersive fieldwork, they ignited the flames of rural cultural revitalization with creative sparks, breathing new vitality into ancient traditions amidst contemporary challenges. The youth from both nations demonstrated global perspectives in addressing rural development, translating their sense of responsibility into tangible actions. Their efforts not only facilitated cultural exchange and integration but also erected a transnational bridge of friendship in hearts across borders, showcasing the power of international cooperation in cultural preservation and sustainable progress.

Since its establishment in May 2024, the UNESCO Chair on Rural Creativity and Sustainable Development has remained steadfast in its mission to advance global rural sustainability. Looking ahead, Peking University’s Institute for Cultural Industries and Universitas Brawijaya’s Faculty of Cultural Studies will deepen their collaboration to advance a series of landmark initiatives, including the Asia Rural Digital Archives Project, the Asia Youth Creative Talent Residency Program, and the Asia Craft Co-Branding Development Plan. Both sides will aim to establish a globally influential Asia Craft Innovation Lab, create cross-border rural creative IPs, and expand cooperation in cultural research and creative economic development. By pooling resources and expertise, both sides will explore the boundless potential of rural revitalization, delivering forward-thinking and actionable solutions for Asia and the world. Their vision is to transform Asian villages into vibrant, hopeful, and thriving communities.

 

Copywriter: Zhao Mingwei, Li Zirui

Photographer: All workshop participants