UGM Student Secures International Grand Prize at Youth Multimedia Arts Competition
Luis Venriko Mumu, a student from the Faculty of Engineering’s Nuclear Engineering Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), achieved significant recognition at the Youth Multimedia Arts Competition held in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 15 to 17, 2025.
Competition Overview
The event focused on the theme “Envisioning a World Without Nuclear Weapons” and marked the 30th anniversary of the Bangkok Treaty, which aims to establish Southeast Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, as well as a region free from other weapons of mass destruction.
Award Recognition
Mumu was awarded first place in the Visual Arts: Traditional Arts category for his artwork titled “When Fear Smiles.” He was also selected as one of four Grand Prize Winners, representing the top entry in his category. As a result of this recognition, Mumu will have the opportunity to visit Hiroshima, Japan, and attend the Youth Leader Fund Conference scheduled for mid-2026.
Personal Reflections
Following the announcement of his award, Mumu expressed that participating in the competition broadened his perspective on nuclear disarmament. He noted that the concept of a world free from nuclear weapons represents ideals of peace, harmony, and a life free from fear.
Artistic Goals
In his remarks, Mumu described his artistic goal of promoting a shift from fear to hope, threat to opportunity, and victim to human.
Activities During the Competition
During the competition, all finalists participated in various activities that included an award ceremony, art exhibitions, tours of nuclear facilities and hospitals, skill development workshops, cultural exchange sessions, and discussions with nuclear experts from Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Commemorative Event
Finalists were also invited to the Commemorative Event and Youth Arts Exhibition, which was organized by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) in collaboration with Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Artistic Diversity
Mumu highlighted that this event served as a celebratory platform for finalists across categories including short films, photography, and visual arts, featuring both traditional and modern forms of artistic expression, including graphic and AI-based works.
Youth Engagement
He emphasized the vital role of young people in shaping a safer world and the importance of proactive engagement by today’s youth. Mumu called for enhanced literacy to counter misinformation and promote responsible advocacy through creative avenues.
Impact on UGM Students
This achievement underscores the contributions of UGM students on an international platform and reflects the commitment of Indonesia’s younger generation to fostering a safer, more peaceful world free from nuclear weapons.
(Source: Universitas Gadjah Mada)
