Excellence in science was not the only thing displayed, but also artistic creativity through a musical drama and dance performance with the theme “The Future is Now” entitled “The Harmony of Java: Yogyakarta the Bridge to Tomorrow”, which raised the issue of waste emergency in Yogyakarta. This performance delivered a powerful message that the future, especially for the City of Yogyakarta, is not something we wait for in the distance, but something we are shaping and creating today, through every action and decision we make in the present.
The theme “The Future is Now” was chosen as a response and critical reflection on urgent issues, particularly the environmental crisis, whose impacts are already being felt in reality. The main reasons behind the theme selection are:
- Raising Awareness, particularly regarding issues such as plastic pollution and waste.
- Call to Action: This theme is not just a critique but also an invitation to act. The BMM UGM team aims to inspire the audience to realize that solutions for a better future exist.
- Showcasing Innovation from Limitations: by using recycled materials, the team wanted to show that creativity and innovation can be born from constraints.
The costume concept served as a visual manifestation and the main narrative element of the theme “The Future is Now”. All costumes were designed and created using recycled materials to convey the message directly and powerfully. Each costume symbolically represents “the Earth today”—a beautiful entity but burdened by the waste of human civilization. The costumes became a medium to tell the story of our planet’s condition and the importance of sustainability. The materials used included burlap sacks, used plastics, and pieces of wood and branches. The performance captivated the judges and audience, winning 2nd Place in Musical Performance, while 1st Place went to UI and 3rd Place to Unair.
Contributor: drg. Muhammad Reza Pahlevi, Ph.D, | Author: Andri Wicaksono
Photo: Doc. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery FKG UGM
