Universitas Maranatha Appoints Professor of Visual Language

Universitas Maranatha Bandung proudly celebrated a significant academic milestone this week with the inauguration of Professor Ariesa Pandanwangi as a full professor in the esteemed fields of art, design, and media, with a specialized focus on visual language. This distinguished appointment, held at the Auditorium Prof Dr PA Surjadi, MA, not only enriches our university's academic community but also underscores Maranatha's commitment to fostering expertise in crucial cultural and creative domains.

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Visual language, global challenges, and protection in the creative industry.

In her compelling inaugural address, titled “Visual Language, Global Challenges, and Protection in the Creative Industry,” Professor Pandanwangi eloquently articulated the urgent need to preserve our unique visual language as a cornerstone of cultural identity. She cautioned against the pervasive influence of global visual symbols, which increasingly overshadow local cultural expressions among the younger generation. This trend, she warned, poses a significant threat to the sustainability of Indonesia's rich cultural heritage, including the invaluable legacy of the Nusantara, if not actively addressed.

Professor Pandanwangi’s innovative approach was further exemplified by her development of contemporary batik, intricately woven with narratives from ancient Sundanese manuscripts like the Bujangga Manik. This groundbreaking work, created in collaboration with industry partners, masterfully bridges cultural significance with tangible economic potential. As Professor Pandanwangi aptly stated, “Local culture is not an obstacle to progress, but a source of creativity that can create jobs and improve community welfare.” This philosophy resonates deeply with Maranatha’s vision of empowering our students and communities through culturally grounded innovation.

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Local culture is not an obstacle to progress, but a source of creativity that can create jobs and improve community welfare.

Rector Prof. Dr. Frans Umbu Datta lauded Professor Pandanwangi as an academic beacon, consistently producing impactful research and creative works. He highlighted her as a rare and invaluable asset to Indonesia's art professorship. The elevation of faculty to professorial ranks, as emphasized by the Rector and Chairman James Martin Aryadi Budiman, is a testament to the robust quality of private higher education in Indonesia, demonstrating our capacity to compete and excel on both national and international stages. This achievement directly contributes to key performance indicators for universities, fostering high-caliber human resources, international publications, and strong industry collaborations.

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She is the pride of the campus and one of the very rare art professors in Indonesia.