“Terang Dari Timur” Christmas tree is a distinctive 7-meter-tall Christmas tree inspired by Papua. It combines a wooden structure, Christmas lights, and generative-AI motifs influenced by Papuan cultural symbols such as the Tifa drum, Honai traditional house, Asmat shield, Lesung canoe, Noken woven bag, Cassowary crown, and the Bird of Paradise. Enriched with traditional Papuan musical instruments, the tree presents the beauty of art, nature, and Papuan identity in a form that is warm and filled with joy. As a representation of Papua—the easternmost region of Indonesia—this tree embodies cultural harmony in welcoming the light of Christmas for all.
The name “Terang Dari Timur” symbolizes the coming of Christ’s light that shines upon the world, just as the sun rises in the east bringing new hope. In the meaning of Christmas, “Terang Dari Timur” also reflects the light that appeared at the birth of Jesus—the light that broke through the darkness, guided the Magi, and proclaimed good news to all nations. If the university’s Christmas theme emphasizes mission and the care we share with others, this tree leads us back to the True Light who first gave, first loved, and became the reason we are able to share that light with the world.
In the context of Papua, this tree stands as a symbol that the peace, love, and hope of Christmas reach every corner of the archipelago, including the land of Papua. Each Papuan cultural element represented in the tree affirms one message: that amid the diversity of ethnicities and traditions, the light of Christ is present to unite, strengthen, and bring new life to humanity. The tree also reminds us that this light is not only to be celebrated, but to be carried forward—inviting each person to become a bearer of love, compassion, and joy to others.
