The Beauty of Universitas Islam Indonesia on its Lockdown

Due to this pandemic, all universitis in Yogyakarta close their campuses to minimize the spread of Covid-19. I take Universitas Islam Indonesia, one of my favorite universities in Yogyakarta, an example. I first saw on Instagram that the University is on a lockdown. Therefore, to check it out, I went to its campus by myself on a sunny morning (I forget the exact date). And that fact on Instagram is true. Even it's on a lockdwon, however, there are still two accesses if you really need to go to campus on a very urgent case. The accesses are quite confusing for strangers, because they are connected to the 'gang' (lanes) of the surrounding area. But, if you're part of the University's community members, you might know which they are.

Despite the fact of its lockdown, the campus looks as beautiful as always. That's why, seeing it myself became a kind of my stress-relieving after working from home for almost three weeks. And the University is still my top favorite. Just look at how gorgeous the main gate and boulevard are. The boulevard is of a two-way, where it's separated by a line of palm/date fruit trees and some small flowers and neatly-mowed grass in between them. It doesn't use asphalt, but instead paving blocks of different colors that are arranged in harmonious patterns. On both sides, there are sidewalks with a canopy of beautiful hanging flowers. Indeed, this boulevard has impressed and attracted me and (I believe) all people who see it. On the edge of the boulevard, there is a building called Kahar Muzakir, which houses the University's Auditoriumon on the first floor and Masjid on the second one.

The gate and boulevard are just the first things to see. On the front right and left sides of the main gate, there are lampposts whose design is very unique and modern (as the main material used is metal). Then, right in the middle front part of the 'Universitas Islam Indonesia' sign, there is a fountain and a flagpole. If we go in there, we'll see more incredible things. This campus really pleases me as an architecture junkie. Next to the gate, on the right side, there is a modern building that houses 'Perilus' bookstore and a coffee shop. Following it, there's a small-squared court with a small stage on the far end, where students can have art-expressing activities or just chill together. The court is so shady as it is surrounded by tress. Then, across from it, there is a building housing the University's Career Center. It's small and simple, but very pretty at the same time as it resembles Islamic architecture.