As Christmas approaches in Surabaya, Petra Christian University becomes a place not only of academic activity but also of reflection and celebration. Each year, the university marks the season with a Christmas installation that reflects its values as an institution rooted in faith, education, and social awareness. This year, however, the celebration feels especially meaningful. Instead of relying on familiar Western Christmas imagery, Petra Christian University chose to spotlight one of Indonesia’s most culturally rich yet often overlooked regions, Papua.
At the center of this celebration stands a towering Christmas tree inside the university library. Rising nearly seven meters high, the tree immediately captures attention, but not because of glittering ornaments or commercial decorations. What draws visitors closer is its story. Designed under the theme “Terang dari Timur,” or “Light from the East,” the Christmas tree presents a visual narrative that blends Papuan culture, Christian symbolism, and modern creativity into a single powerful statement.
From the moment students, faculty members, and visitors step into the library, the tree becomes a focal point. It invites people to pause, observe, and reflect. In a space usually associated with books and quiet study, the installation introduces a moment of contemplation that aligns with the deeper meaning of the Christmas season.
The Meaning Behind “Light from the East”
The theme “Light from the East” was chosen with deliberate intention. Papua, located at the easternmost edge of Indonesia, is the first region in the country to welcome the rising sun each day. This geographical reality carries symbolic weight, especially within Christian theology, where light represents hope, renewal, truth, and divine presence.
University leaders explain that the phrase reflects more than geography. It is a reminder that wisdom, goodness, and spiritual insight are not limited to dominant cultures or central regions. By associating Papua with light, Petra Christian University emphasizes the idea that every culture holds value and that the message of Christmas is universal.
Professor Rolly Intan, Rector of Petra Christian University, has spoken openly about the intention behind the theme. He explained that Christmas is not only about celebrating the birth of Christ but also about embracing values such as justice, peace, and compassion. The light symbolized by the Christmas tree represents these values and serves as a call to recognize the dignity and humanity of all people, including indigenous communities across Indonesia.
In this sense, the Christmas tree becomes more than decoration. It becomes a statement about inclusivity and moral responsibility, reminding the campus community that faith should inspire understanding and action.
Papuan Cultural Elements as the Heart of the Design
The strength of the Christmas tree lies in its careful and respectful use of Papuan cultural elements. Rather than borrowing symbols superficially, the designers sought to present cultural motifs that carry real meaning. Each element was selected to tell a story about Papuan identity, tradition, and connection to nature.
One of the most prominent symbols is the Tifa drum, a traditional musical instrument used in many Papuan communities. The Tifa represents rhythm, unity, and communal life. Its presence on the tree reflects the importance of togetherness, which aligns naturally with the spirit of Christmas as a time for gathering and shared celebration.
Another key element is the Honai, the traditional house found in the highlands of Papua. The Honai symbolizes warmth, shelter, and family life. Within the context of Christmas, it echoes the theme of home and belonging, reminding viewers of the humble setting in which Christ was born.
Figures inspired by the Burung Cendrawasih, or bird of paradise, add visual elegance and symbolic depth. This bird, native to Papua, has long been associated with beauty and spiritual significance. Its inclusion highlights the region’s natural richness while reinforcing the idea that creation itself reflects divine beauty.
Traditional shield motifs inspired by Asmat carvings complete the visual narrative. These shields represent strength, identity, and the protection of heritage. Together, all these elements form a cohesive story that honors Papuan culture with dignity and care.
Blending Tradition with Modern Technology
While the Christmas tree is deeply rooted in cultural tradition, it also reflects contemporary creativity. One of the most distinctive features of the installation is the use of fabric patterns generated with the help of artificial intelligence. These patterns are not random digital designs but are inspired by Papuan colors, textures, and motifs.
This fusion of tradition and technology mirrors the mission of Petra Christian University as a modern academic institution. By integrating AI into the artistic process, the designers demonstrate how technology can support cultural preservation rather than overshadow it. The result is a visual language that feels both timeless and forward-looking.
For students, especially those studying design, technology, or cultural studies, the tree offers an example of how innovation can be applied responsibly. It shows that modern tools can be used to amplify cultural narratives and create meaningful expressions rather than purely aesthetic objects.
A Living Space for Reflection and Learning
The decision to place the Christmas tree inside the university library carries symbolic significance. Libraries are spaces of knowledge, inquiry, and reflection. By situating the installation there, Petra Christian University transforms the tree into part of an ongoing educational experience.
Students passing through the library often stop to examine the details. Some take photographs, while others engage in conversations about the symbols they see. For many, the tree becomes an introduction to Papuan culture that sparks curiosity and encourages further learning.
Faculty members have also used the installation as a teaching moment. Discussions about cultural representation, national identity, and faith find a tangible reference point in the tree. In this way, the Christmas decoration becomes an extension of the university’s academic mission, encouraging dialogue across disciplines.
Connecting Symbolism with Social Commitment
The Papuan theme of the Christmas tree is not an isolated gesture. Petra Christian University has a longstanding commitment to supporting students from Papua through scholarship programs and inclusive educational policies. These initiatives aim to provide access to higher education for young Papuans who face economic and geographic challenges.
By highlighting Papuan culture during Christmas, the university reinforces the connection between symbolism and action. The tree does not merely celebrate Papua as an idea but reflects ongoing efforts to empower Papuan communities through education.
This alignment strengthens the credibility of the installation’s message. It demonstrates that cultural appreciation is not limited to visual representation but is supported by concrete programs that create real opportunities.
Public Response and Emotional Impact
The response from the campus community and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Many describe feeling a sense of calm and reflection when standing before the tree. Unlike flashy commercial displays, the installation invites quiet appreciation rather than spectacle.
Parents visiting the campus, alumni returning for the holidays, and members of the public entering the library have expressed admiration for the thoughtful design. Some note that the tree encourages them to see Christmas from a broader perspective, one that includes cultural diversity and social responsibility.
For students from Papua studying at Petra Christian University, the installation carries personal significance. Seeing elements of their culture represented respectfully in such a prominent space affirms their identity and fosters a sense of belonging within the campus community.
A Broader Message for Indonesia
In a wider national context, the Papuan-inspired Christmas tree contributes to conversations about diversity and unity in Indonesia. Papua is often discussed in political or economic terms, but cultural celebration remains less visible. By placing Papuan identity at the center of a major Christmas display in Surabaya, Petra Christian University offers an alternative narrative.
The installation suggests that national unity is strengthened not by uniformity but by recognition and respect for difference. It invites viewers to consider how cultural heritage can enrich shared traditions rather than divide them.
Light That Lasts Beyond the Season
The Christmas tree will remain on display until the end of January, allowing its message to extend beyond Christmas Day. This extended presence reinforces the idea that the values symbolized by the installation should not be confined to a single celebration.
Light, as represented by “Terang dari Timur,” is not temporary. It is a reminder of enduring principles such as compassion, justice, and mutual respect. As students return to their studies and the new year begins, the tree continues to stand as a quiet witness to these ideals.
Redefining Christmas Through Culture
In a city filled with festive decorations, Petra Christian University’s Christmas tree stands out not because it is the brightest or most elaborate, but because it is meaningful. It redefines what a Christmas symbol can be by combining faith, culture, education, and social awareness into a single expression.
Through this installation, the university shows that Christmas can be a time not only for celebration but also for learning and reflection. By embracing Papuan culture, Petra Christian University sends a clear message that diversity is not something to be acknowledged in passing, but something to be honored thoughtfully and sincerely.
The Christmas tree becomes more than an ornament. It becomes a story, a statement, and an invitation to see Indonesia’s cultural richness as a source of light that belongs to everyone.
