Pharmacy Student Wins 3rd Place in Java-Bali Essay Competition, Promotes Local Culture as the Main Foundation of National Identity

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Siti Abidatul Hasanah, a Pharmacy Program student at UNU Jogja, successfully secured 3rd Place in the Java–Bali level essay competition at the Sanjaya Cultural Festival 2025. This achievement was attained through her essay that highlighted the theme of preserving local culture as the foundation for shaping national identity.

In her work, Siti spotlighted the challenge posed by globalization, which she believes can erode traditional values and weaken national identity. According to her, the existence of local culture is not merely an ancestral heritage, but also a vital pillar in strengthening the nation's character.

“This idea is very important for preserving local culture and cultural diversity, as well as strengthening the identity of the Indonesian nation,” said Siti on Tuesday, October 28.

Through her essay, Siti offered several cultural preservation strategies, including the direct involvement of the younger generation in cultural activities, such as traditional art performances, regional dance competitions, and cultural showcases. This approach ensures that the youth not only learn about the culture but also make it a part of their daily lives.

Siti also emphasized the importance of cultural education and literacy through its integration into school curricula. This enables students to understand and embrace cultural values from an early age.

Furthermore, she highlighted the urgency of digitalizing cultural heritage as an effort to document and disseminate knowledge more widely. Digitalization allows the public, especially the younger generation who are familiar with technology, to access and learn about culture more flexibly.

She also pointed to the strengthening of culture-based creative industries and the organization of cultural festivals as means of empowerment and tradition preservation that directly involve the community.

Siti asserted that the younger generation holds a central role in maintaining the sustainability of local culture amidst the dynamic currents of globalization. With the right cultural and digital literacy, the youth can innovate without abandoning their traditional roots. [Latifah]