Lintaspena.id _ PINGTUNG, (09/12/2024) – Hundreds of Taiwanese residents, Indonesian diaspora, and international students from various countries gathered at the Indonesian Festival 2024, held at the Auditorium Hall of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST).
Organized by the Indonesian Students Association (PPI NPUST), the event has been running since 2012 and celebrated its ninth iteration under the theme “Resilient Spirit: Indonesia’s Journey to Freedom”. Under the leadership of the Event Chairperson Muhammad Dava Warsyahdhana, this year’s festival became a special occasion designed in a short preparation time but managed to deliver a meaningful and memorable celebration. “We aim to embody the spirit of our Indonesian heroes while conveying that, as international students, we have a responsibility to spread positivity and uphold our nation’s good name on the global stage,” he stated.
Messages and Support from Key Figures Vice Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Mrs. Ni Luh Enik Ernawati, conveyed her respect through a video message to NPUST President Dr.-Ing Chin-Lung Chang and the
university’s leadership, congratulating the campus on its centennial celebration. “Indonesian Festival 2024 serves as a beautiful bridge to introduce Indonesia’s culture to the international community. I hope this event strengthens cross-cultural friendships and inspires everyone present to explore the beauty and diversity of Indonesia,” she expressed.
Similarly, the Head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (IETO) to Taipei, Mr. Arif Sulistiyo, shared his appreciation. “I applaud PPI NPUST for organizing the Indonesian Festival 2024. This event is expected to broaden awareness of Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity among Taiwanese society and the international community,” he remarked.
NPUST President Dr.-Ing Chin-Lung Chang, represented by Professor Jik-Chang Leong, Dean of the International College, added that the Indonesian Festival remains one of the most anticipated events each year. “This festival reflects cultural diversity and fosters international relations. I hope this activity continues consistently,” he said.
Mr. Medea Ramadhani Utomo, Chairperson of PPI NPUST, highlighted the event’s role in strengthening collaboration with various stakeholders. “The Indonesian Student Organization (PPI NPUST) represents the largest international student body at NPUST. Through this event, we hope to enhance collaboration with the international community and promote Indonesian culture further,” he stated.
Musical Drama and the Charm of Indonesian Culture The event began symbolically with a tumpeng-cutting ceremony, led by the Chairperson of PPI NPUST and the Event Chairperson of Indonesian Festival 2024, accompanied by distinguished guests such as deans, lecturers, and staff of NPUST. The highlight of the festival was a musical drama about the battle on August 17, 1945, symbolizing the valor of Indonesian heroes. This drama seamlessly combined elements of theatrical art and traditional dance, including Jejer Jaran Dawuk from Banyuwangi and Batik activities. The 45-minute performance narrated the unity of Indonesian youth in their fight for independence, moving the audience with its profound storyline. The climactic scene of hoisting the Indonesian flag accompanied by the song “Berkibarlah Benderaku” drew admiration and emotional responses from both Indonesian attendees reminiscing about their homeland and international guests immersed in the moment’s significance.
Adding to the festivities, international students from countries such as India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Belize, and Thailand showcased Indonesian traditional attire, further enriching the event’s diversity and emphasizing the harmony and unity of cultures celebrated on an international stage. Culinary Bazaar: A Fusion of Flavors In addition to artistic performances, the festival also featured a culinary bazaar, which became a major attraction. Visitors enjoyed a variety of Indonesian delicacies, such as soto, risol, mud cake, and ice kuwut. Supported by NPUST’s International College and Office of International Affairs, this culinary showcase further enriched participants’ cultural experience.
Alifa Zahira
