Lamongan- The Budi Utomo Hall of Muhammadiyah University of Lamongan (Umla) has transformed into a sparkling stage that radiates the richness of East Javanese culture. On Sunday (4/5/2025), dozens of high school/vocational high school students from various regions attended to enliven the Traditional Creative Dance Competition with the theme "Nusantara Melody: Harmony of Movement and Culture."

This event is the result of a great collaboration between the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program Student Association (Hima PGSD) and the Umla Arts Student Activity Unit (UKM). Not just a competition, this activity is a forum for preserving culture as well as a means of strengthening ties among the younger generation of dance lovers.

In his remarks, Umla Vice Chancellor III, H. Alifin, SKM, M.Kes., emphasized that art and culture are not just entertainment, but also an important part of Islamic preaching. "We in the Muhammadiyah Association are not allergic and do not reject art and culture, we must understand this together. Because in Islam there is something called da'wah, which is inviting, and one of them is through art and culture," he said in front of the participants and invited guests.

He also emphasized that the holding of this dance competition is concrete evidence of Umla's active role in efforts to preserve culture. Not only that, H. Alifin also explained Umla's proud academic achievements. "In 2024, from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Umla was ranked 1st in the former Bojonegoro Residency area, ranked 3rd for PTMA throughout East Java, ranked 6th for PTS throughout East Java, and ranked 13th for PTMA throughout Indonesia," he explained.

Although it is a new campus and located in a remote area, H. Alifin emphasized that Umla is not less competitive. "Umla is not inferior to other universities, both state and private."

The winners of the competition are entitled to receive certificates, trophies, coaching money, and a tuition fee reduction of one million rupiah per semester if they continue their studies at Umla.

The excitement of the event was further enhanced by the presence of Purnomo from the Lamongan Tourism and Culture Office. He appreciated Umla's initiative which he considered a real step to strengthen the existence of local culture among the younger generation.

Throughout the event, the audience was treated to a variety of creative dances that combined the richness of tradition with a touch of modern innovation. Every movement performed not only showed the aesthetics of art, but also the spirit of young people in preserving ancestral heritage amidst the rapid flow of globalization.