Library Science Study Program Holds IDKS 2025 Cultural Exhibition on “Nusantara Classical Textiles”

Yogyakarta – The Library Science Study Program of UIN Sunan Kalijaga officially opened the IDKS 2025 Cultural Exhibition themed “Nusantara Classical Textiles” at the Convention Hall Courtyard of UIN Sunan Kalijaga on 22 May 2025. The event not only showcased the beauty of traditional textiles, but also invited students to explore the cultural philosophy and historical narratives embedded in these fabrics.

In her opening remarks, the Chair of the IDKS 2025 Committee, Hannani Ash-Shiddiqey, stated that the exhibition was an effort to foster young people’s appreciation for Indonesia’s cultural heritage. “We would like to thank all sponsors, media partners, and everyone who contributed to the smooth running of this event up to its closing,” she said.

Showcasing the richness of Nusantara textiles

The exhibition featured more than ten stands highlighting a wide range of traditional textiles from across the archipelago. These included Banjarnegara Batik Gumelem, Ulos from the Batak people, Sekar Nitik cloth from Bantul, Batik Remekan from Wonogiri, Songket Pandai Sikek from Minangkabau, Jumputan cloth from Palembang, Parang Klitik batik from Yogyakarta, Bokek cloth from West Papua, Lurik Solo cloth from Solo, Kewatek cloth from Flores (NTT), and Sembagi cloth from the Yogyakarta Palace.

Each stand not only presented the visual beauty of the textiles, but also provided explanations about their motifs, production techniques, and the cultural values they carry. Through this approach, visitors were invited to see textiles as “living knowledge” that reflects the identity and worldview of local communities.

Information repackaging as cultural preservation

Dr. Labibah Zain, the lecturer in charge of the course “Information in a Social Context” (IDKS), expressed her appreciation for the students’ hard work in preparing the exhibition. She emphasized that this activity is a concrete form of cultural preservation through information repackaging. “Since 2012, IDKS has consistently raised cultural themes—from tombs to traditional games. This year is the first time we are focusing on Nusantara textiles to broaden young people’s horizons,” she explained.

According to her, the exhibition demonstrates how information science can be used to preserve culture by transforming cultural content into attractive and easily understood formats. In this way, the exhibition becomes both an educational medium and a space for cultural advocacy.

Support from university leadership and regional partners

The event was attended by the Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Nurdin, Vice Deans, and lecturers of the Library Science Study Program. In his remarks, Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan expressed his appreciation for the initiative. “This exhibition proves that a library is not merely a room for storing books, but also a guardian of cultural heritage. Traditional textiles deserve to be collected as living knowledge,” he said.

He also shared his experiences while living in the Netherlands, where cultural heritage is carefully preserved through creative documentation. He hoped that similar spirit would continue to grow in the academic environment of UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, Dr. Syamsul Arifin Ali, S.Ag., underlined the importance of sustaining this exhibition annually with different themes. “Activities like this need strong support and massive promotion through social media,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Regional Library and Archives Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Erwi Kuswandari, S.E., praised the diversity of textiles displayed and the students’ creativity in curating and presenting the materials.

Inspiring cultural preservation through information innovation

IDKS 2025 has become more than a cultural exhibition—it is a concrete step in cultural preservation that goes hand in hand with innovative information presentation. The exhibition is expected to inspire younger generations to continue preserving Indonesia’s cultural richness, while at the same time demonstrating how library and information science can play an active role in safeguarding cultural heritage.