FIB Unhas – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) officially commenced its 65th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) celebration series through a lively opening ceremony in the courtyard of Mattulada Hall on Friday (3/10/2025).
Carrying the theme “Nurturing Identity, Strengthening National Solidarity,” this year’s celebration affirms FIB Unhas’s commitment to preserving cultural richness while strengthening the sense of unity amidst the nation’s diversity.
The opening ceremony was marked by a drum-beating procession by the Unhas Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. drg. Muhammad Ruslin, along with the Dean of FIB, Prof. Andi Muhammad Akhmar. The sound of the drums, combined with the melody of the pui-pui (a traditional South Sulawesi wind instrument), accompanied the unveiling of the Dies Natalis banner, symbolizing the start of the entire series of events.
A strong cultural atmosphere was also reflected in the attire worn by the FIB deanship. They appeared in traditional South Sulawesi clothing, from jas tutup (closed-style suit) to baju bodo, as a form of attention to regional identity.
The Vice-Rector, Prof. drg. Muhammad Ruslin, expressed his appreciation and optimism that FIB will continue to develop as a reference center for culture in South Sulawesi. “This institution deserves to be a place to learn about culture. We want the public to know, if you want to learn about culture, come to Unhas. FIB’s success is all of our success,” he said enthusiastically.
In line with this, the Dean of FIB, Prof. Andi Muhammad Akhmar, expressed his gratitude for the start of the celebration. He also announced a new initiative, the Mattulada Award, a prestigious award to be given to cultural figures and leaders who have contributed significantly to cultural development.
The event was also attended by the philosopher and renowned public intellectual, Prof. Dr. Fransisco Budi Hardiman, who called the Dies Natalis a reflection of the depth of South Sulawesi’s culture. “This faculty is a driving force for culture. I hope new creativity will continue to emerge that dynamically transforms culture,” he advised.
The Dies Natalis Committee Chair, Hasbi Lodang, hopes the entire series of activities can provide a constructive impact on the academic community and the wider public.
Featuring National Figures and Various Flagship Events
Over the next three months, from October to December 2025, the 65th FIB Unhas Dies Natalis will be filled with various academic, cultural, and social programs. A number of national figures are scheduled to enliven the event, including:
- Riri Riza (Film Director and Producer): Film Workshop.
- Prof. Dr. Fransisco Budi Hardiman (Philosopher): Public Lecture “Challenges and Opportunities for Humanities in the Digital Era.”
- Dony Oskaria (COO Danantara Indonesia): Keynote Speech.
- Once Mekel (Member of DPR RI Commission X): Arts Oration.
- Adian Napitupulu (Member of DPR RI Commission V): National Politics Oration.
This series of activities is designed to unite visions in strengthening cultural identity and national solidarity. (*)
