Makassar, 9 Desember 2025 — The International Seminar titled Badik, Politics, and the Gamble for Sulawesi Identity together with the launching of the novel Membilang Bintang took place on December 9, 2025 at the Senate Hall, 4th Floor of the Rectorate Building, UIN Alauddin Makassar. The event drew considerable attention from the academic and cultural community, gathering 183 participants consisting of scholars, students, researchers, cultural observers, and literary enthusiasts. The seminar served as a space to explore Sulawesi’s cultural identity within contemporary social and political dynamics.

The program featured eight distinguished speakers: Sylvia Tiwon from the University of California Berkeley, Eka Budianta, Junaedi Setiyono, Aslan Abidin, Zainal Beta, Lian Gouw, Nur Amin Saleh, and Umar Thamrin, the author of Membilang Bintang. Each speaker brought a unique angle to the discussion, ranging from cultural research and literary interpretation to artistic representation and media perspectives. The session was moderated by Waode Surya Darmadali, who maintained an engaging and focused atmosphere throughout the event.

The speakers examined the relationship between culture and political expression, raising awareness of how cultural narratives influence societal transformation. The question-and-answer session received active participation from the audience, highlighting the continuing relevance of cultural preservation in a globalized era.

The seminar was officially opened by the Rector of UIN Alauddin Makassar along with the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities. In their remarks, they affirmed the university’s commitment to supporting academic forums that strengthen cultural awareness while encouraging the development of scientific and literary works rooted in local heritage. Their statements underscored the importance of academic contributions to national cultural identity.

The event concluded with the official launch of the novel Membilang Bintang, which received enthusiastic appreciation from participants. The novel was praised for its poetic and thoughtful depiction of Sulawesi culture, resonating deeply with the audience. The success of this seminar is expected to inspire further research collaboration and cultural studies initiatives, fostering a stronger sense of pride in cultural heritage among future generations.