International Office and Partnership UIN SSC Hosts International FGD on Cirebon Techno-Park Development
Cirebon, January 21, 2025 — The International Office and Partnership (IOP) of UIN SSC held an International Focus Group Discussion (IFGD) with the theme: "Innovating for Social Impact: International Research Collaboration and Sunyaragi-Inspired Techno-Park Development in Cirebon City." The event, led by Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office of UIN SSC, marked a significant milestone in strengthening international collaboration and facilitating dialogue between local and global thinkers.
The discussion brought together distinguished speakers, including Professor Rudolf Wirawan from the Wirasoft Foundation and the University of Adelaide, who conceptualized the theme and proposed it as a visionary hypothesis. Internal guests from UIN SSC also attended, such as Prof. Dr. H. Jamali, M.Ag. (Vice-Rector I), Prof. Dr. H. Hajam, M.Ag. (Vice-Rector III), deans and vice deans, institutional heads, and center leaders, including the Head of the International Office and Partnership (IOP), Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. In his presentation, Professor Wirawan not only explored the potential for developing a techno-park in Cirebon but also delved into the deeper philosophical connections between local wisdom and global technological advancements. His visionary approach emphasized the idea that Cirebon's historical and cultural heritage—embodied in Sunyaragi Cave—could be integrated into the development of a modern techno-park, serving as an innovative model for cities worldwide.
Other significant contributions came from Ivan Chabibilah, S.S., M.Li., from ICCCM Malaysia; Prof. Dr. H. Hajam, M.Ag.; Prof. Dr. H. Jamali, M.Ag.; and representatives from Telkom University Bandung, including Nugroho Setia Budi and Luqman Abdul H. Additionally, valuable online input was provided by Aan Priyatna from Telkom University, highlighting the event's international reach and collaborative nature.
The Sunyaragi Techno-Park concept, introduced by Professor Rudolf Wirawan, is envisioned as a global hub where innovation meets tradition. This innovative techno-park will blend cutting-edge technological advancements with Cirebon's profound cultural heritage. Inspired by Sunyaragi Cave, a significant historical and cultural site in the city, the project aims to showcase the potential of local wisdom in addressing today's global challenges.
Professor Rudolf Wirawan presented a comprehensive vision for Sunyaragi Techno-Park: creating a collaborative ecosystem for research, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements while promoting sustainability and inclusivity. He expressed his belief that the traditional values embedded in Cirebon's heritage could contribute not only to local development but also offer a distinctive model to inspire global solutions in sustainable technology. According to Professor Wirawan, local wisdom and global progress need not be mutually exclusive; rather, their integration can lead to a more holistic approach to social impact.
Professor Wirawan’s mission for Sunyaragi Techno-Park is clear: to create an ecosystem where tradition inspires innovation. By leveraging Cirebon's cultural history as a foundation, he proposed that Sunyaragi Techno-Park could emerge as a prime example of how cities can balance cultural heritage preservation with modern technological applications. The park would not only serve as a research hub but also bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and future technologies, with a strong focus on sustainable development.
The project, as outlined by Professor Wirawan, positions Cirebon as a unique city in the global conversation on urban development. Sunyaragi Techno-Park will demonstrate how local wisdom can be a powerful catalyst for innovation, creating a model for other cities navigating globalization. Throughout the discussion, it became evident that Cirebon could set a precedent for other cities seeking to align their cultural heritage with modernization demands.
A key point emphasized during the FGD was that globalization need not threaten local traditions. In fact, globalization and technological advancements present opportunities to reimagine how local wisdom and traditional practices can play a central role in shaping the future. Sunyaragi Techno-Park is envisioned as a space where global innovation meets local cultural values, leading to sustainable growth that benefits both local communities and the world at large. The integration of research, cultural preservation, and technology will create a harmonious ecosystem capable of generating future-oriented solutions without sacrificing the past.
As the event's moderator, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., elaborated on the importance of international collaboration in this context. In his opening and closing remarks, he highlighted how this international forum marks a significant step in Cirebon's journey to becoming a leader in sustainable urban development. Lala Bumela emphasized that while globalization and technology are inevitable forces, local wisdom can offer critical guidance in navigating these changes. He encouraged the audience to view local heritage not only as a source of pride but also as a wellspring of innovation.
Mr. Lala Bumela also underscored the growing importance of cultural sustainability amidst technological advancements. He mentioned that local wisdom should be seen as an integral part of global innovation, and Sunyaragi Techno-Park could serve as a model for how cities can develop sustainably without losing their historical and cultural identities.
The collaboration between international and local academics, as well as representatives from the private and public sectors, underscores the growing awareness that the future of urban development lies in balancing tradition and innovation. The Sunyaragi Techno-Park project, involving research, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage preservation, is poised to demonstrate how forward-thinking communities can remain rooted in their traditions while embracing the opportunities offered by globalization.
In conclusion, Sunyaragi Techno-Park is not just a technological initiative but also a cultural revolution. By combining the wisdom of the past with future innovations, this project has the potential to be a pioneering model for sustainable development, where local heritage contributes to global solutions. The event on January 21, 2025, was a crucial step in laying the foundation for this project, highlighting the immense potential for collaboration, innovation, and cultural preservation as we move forward. Sunyaragi Techno-Park, as envisioned by Professor Rudolf Wirawan, holds the promise of becoming a symbol of how tradition and innovation can coexist, inspiring a new era of sustainable urban development that honors cultural identity and modern technological progress.
Looking ahead, Professor Wirawan expressed his commitment to closely working with UIN SSC students interning at the International Office Program (IOP). This collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in developing Sunyaragi Techno-Park, enabling them to contribute to an exciting initiative that integrates local wisdom and global innovation. The partnership between Professor Wirawan and UIN SSC interns will strengthen dynamic exchanges of ideas and offer students a chance to be directly involved in a project that could shape the future of Cirebon and beyond. This collaboration also highlights the importance of bridging academia, research, and industry to create solutions that are globally relevant and locally grounded. Through this initiative, UIN SSC students will play a key role in realizing the vision of Sunyaragi Techno-Park, actively participating in a transformative journey that blends tradition with modernity.
