May 15, 2025
By Dadi Darmadi
On the green campus of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) in Depok, where wide lawns stretch under sprawling green trees, a pair of cats reigns over the daily hum of student life. They are Macan and William, the bold stars of a small feline crew that’s won the hearts of this community.
Through their Instagram page, macanwangweng, their story unfolds—a mix of confidence, adventure, and the quiet connections that make this campus feel like home.
In the soft morning light, Macan, a tabby with the swagger of a Javanese tiger, struts along the campus paths like he’s the boss. His fur, speckled like sunlight on a rice field, catches the eye as he scopes out his territory—lecture halls, prayer gardens, and sunny courtyards.
“Macan’s in charge,” says Icha, a graphic designer who helps look after the cats, her voice full of pride. “He doesn’t ask for attention; he just expects it.” Whether he’s sprawled on a warm step or staring down a curious visitor, Macan’s presence is impossible to ignore.
William, his black-and-white sidekick, brings a different kind of charm. With green eyes that seem to chase dreams, he’s the campus explorer, always on the move. Named with a playful nod to Western flair, William’s often spotted perched on the faculty building’s low walls at sunset, outlined against Depok’s glowing skyline.
“He’s a wanderer,” says Atia, a social media specialist, grinning as she talks about his loyalty. “But no matter where he goes, he always comes back to us.” William’s adventures, from chasing shadows to napping in flowerbeds, add a spark of mischief to the campus rhythm.
UIII’s campus, a peaceful spot tucked into Depok’s busy streets, is a perfect home for these cats. Known for its green lawns and cat-friendly spirit, the university welcomes them like family. Students leave out water bowls, and staff point out cozy corners under lecture hall roofs where the cats can rest. “They make this place feel alive,” says Yoyon, a writer and editor, who chuckles as he watches William leap for a stray leaf. “They’re part of what makes UIII special.”
According to Dedot, a campus photographer, these cats seem to know they belong, weaving through study sessions and prayer times with ease. The macanwangweng Instagram page captures their world in bright snapshots: Macan’s kingly glare from a lecture hall step, William’s mid-jump silhouette against a mango tree. Icha, Atia, Yoyon and Dedot share these moments, and followers from Depok to far-off places leave comments in Bahasa, or emojis, hooked on the cats’ charm. “They’re not just pets,” Atia says, scrolling through the posts. “They’re our crew.” The page feels like a shared scrapbook, tying the campus to a wider world that loves Macan and William’s bold spirit.
In Indonesia, cats are more than just animals—they’re helpers and a bit magical. Javanese stories say they can sense things people can’t, and Icha wonders about this when Macan stares at an empty courtyard corner. “Maybe he sees something we don’t,” she says with a half-smile. On a campus focused on Islamic studies, where the call to prayer drifts through the trees, Macan and William carry a quiet presence, like they’re watching over both the everyday and the unseen.
For Icha, Atia, Yoyon, and Dedot, the cats are a grounding force. Between classes, teaching, or keeping the grounds tidy, caring for Macan and William—feeding them, scratching their ears, or just sitting nearby—feels like a small gift. “They teach us to slow down,” Yoyon says, his voice soft. “To enjoy the moment.” As evening falls and the campus glows with golden light, Macan stretches out like a king, and William claims a low wall, their confidence filling the air. Icha and the others linger, their laughter mixing with the breeze, knowing these cats make UIII a little brighter.
Macan and William, through their bold paws and fearless hearts, show the beauty of small lives loved deeply. They’re the campus’s unofficial royalty, their story shared one macanwangweng post at a time, reminding everyone that in a busy world, there’s always room for connection—and a good cat nap.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
