Universitas Indonesia (UI), through the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), inaugurated a panel statue of three Russian space figures donated by the Dialogue of Cultures–United World on Wednesday, October 30, at the FIB UI Park, Depok Campus. The three Russian figures are Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Sergey Karalyov, and Yuri Gagarin, who are known as pioneers in the development of space science.
In his welcoming speech, UI Rector, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, represented by the Dean of FIB UI, Dr. Bondan Kanumoyoso, stated that these three figures not only played an important role in the field of space, but also in the advancement of science and world civilization. They laid the foundation for humans to explore the universe, a symbol of UI’s desire to continue to contribute to the development of inclusive and global science and technology.
This statue is also intended as a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and Russia, symbolizing the long-standing relationship between the two countries. Prof. Ari hopes that this relationship will continue to grow, with UI as a pioneer that encourages an attitude of mutual understanding between nations.
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Indonesia, Sergey Tolchenov, was also present and expressed his hope that the inauguration would strengthen Indonesia-Russia’s commitment to cross-cultural and scientific dialogue. According to him, this symbol not only reminds us of the past but also paves the way for a bright future, inspiring students and future generations to achieve great achievements, as Russian scientists have achieved in space exploration.
The event was also attended by the Governor of the Kaluga Region, Russian Federation, Vladislav Shapsha; Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Jakarta, Nikita Shilikov; and President of the International Foundation “Dialogue of Cultures – United World”, Ruslan Bayramov. On that occasion, Dr. Bondan expressed his gratitude to Dialogue of Cultures–United World for their contribution to supporting cultural education facilities at FIB UI. According to him, the sculpture panel placed in the middle of the FIB Park is expected to inspire students and the public to achieve extraordinary achievements like Russian scientists.
The inauguration of the statues of Russian space figures at FIB UI is not only a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and Russia, but also strengthens UI’s role as a forum for students and the community to get to know, understand, and appreciate global cultural diversity. By placing this symbol of human achievement in the campus environment, UI inspires the next generation to always prioritize international cooperation for mutual progress. At the inauguration, students of the UI Russian Study Program also enlivened it with cultural performances, followed by the screening of the documentary film “Gagarin: Embracing the World” dedicated to Yuri Gagarin, the first Soviet cosmonaut in space.
Dialogue of Cultures–United World is an international non-profit organization founded in 2005, aiming to preserve and promote ethnic cultural identities around the world and encourage intercultural dialogue. This institution addresses the negative impacts of globalization, such as Westernization and cultural homogenization, through various projects such as the installation of monuments, education, and the promotion of ethnic tolerance. They collaborate with international organizations such as the UN and UNESCO to achieve this goal.
