A three-day arts festival has united hundreds of Catholic university students from different ethnic groups in Pontianak, capital of West Kalimantan province. Traditional songs, dances, poems and a fashion show were part of the festival which ended on Sunday at the Pangsuma Stadium. A Holy Mass concelebrated by Capuchin Archbishop Hieronymus Herculanus Bumbun of Pontianak and several priests opened the event on June 3. “It is hoped everyone will take an active part in proclaiming the Good News. And this festival is an effort to make this real. The Church supports positive efforts taken by university students,” the prelate said in his homily. The festival was the first of its kind in the town and saw various ethnic groups such as Bugis, Dayak, Javanese and Malays stress unity and brotherhood among youths of varying backgrounds. “This event aimed to encourage them to build unity and brotherhood. It is also hoped the festival will inspire a desire to preserve local traditions,” according to Dominican Father Yohanes Robini Maryanto, a chaplain to university students. He said the festival also served as a medium for cultural sharing among youths of different cultures. But in a speech at the gathering the daughter of former president Abdurrahman Wahid warned that many people still cannot accept and respect such ethnic diversity. “This is dangerous, because it might spark serious divisions,” said Zannuba Ariffah Chafsoh Rahman Wahid. Related Reports: Youth camp boosts interfaith unityStudent Interfaith Coalition Pledges To Build Politics Of Unity